There are many differing opinions about the severity of the Ebola virus that has currently taken over media headlines. Some say this threat is of international importance, and we should all feel extremely vulnerable to the virus. Others have no interest in the latest Ebola news, as they think it does not apply to them, and could never be of prevalence in their area. Whatever your stance on this occurrence, one subject should be of significance: your grasp on Ebola education. Individuals should understand how to reduce their own risk of contracting this virus, even if they believe it could never affect them. The opinions expressed in this article are not those from a medical professional. This article does not provide medical advice and is not meant to help individuals treat a patient.
The Ebola virus, which was discovered in 1976, is thought to have had an animal as its natural reservoir, most likely a bat. This virus was first known as hemorrhagic fever, outbreaks have been most prevalent in parts of Africa. Ebola has five identified virus species, though only four of these strains cause disease in humans. The symptoms of this virus include fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, weakness, and stomach pain, among a few other symptoms. However, some these symptoms appear in other diseases, which is why unqualified individuals should not attempt to diagnose or treat the virus (or any other suspected diseases) themselves.
Taking proper precaution is of necessity. When family, friends, or loved ones are not feeling well, the instinct is to help them try to feel better. Sometimes this results in an additional person becoming sick, as well, due to close proximity to the infected individual. This case with the Ebola virus differs, as Ebola cannot be contracted through the air. The virus is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as saliva, sweat, urine, etc. The fluids must then enter another person's body through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Qualified professionals who must come into contact with Ebola patients for treatment purposes are required to wear protective eye wear and clothing, and take other carefully monitored precautions. Those who are fit to treat this virus are trained professionals with years of experience in their field. For those who do not have these qualifications, understanding the main aspects of the Ebola virus and becoming educated on ways to reduce risk of contracting the disease is key. The information learned may be used for preventative measures for others as well, such as immediate and extended family, friends, loved ones, roommates, and coworkers.
Those who wish to become more educated on this topic should contact establishments that are authorized to release this type of information, such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Other institutions have compiled information on the Ebola virus, as well. While their content isn't designed to be used to treat a patient, the information learned in an Ebola training course may prove to be useful to form preventative techniques and receive valuable Ebola education.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8780966
Ébola Symptoms
What You Need To Know About Ebola
Everyone is concerned about the Ebola virus these days and rightly so. According to the World Health Organization, the virus infecting and killing people in West Africa is the worst recorded outbreak. Some things that can be done to help control the Ebola crisis would be to deploy more health care workers and open new treatment centers in those countries that are affected the most.
The Ebola virus disease, which was also known as the Ebola haemorrhagic fever can be very fatal in when contracted my people. The virus is normally transferred to people from animals of the wild and spreads in the human population through person-to-person transmission or contact. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks. The first Ebola virus outbreaks that we know of occurred in isolated villages in Central Africa, near warm and humid rainforests, but the most recent outbreak in west Africa has involved major urban as well as rural areas.
Beginning symptoms may include muscle discomfort, fever, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and sore throat. These symptoms may be followed by some internal bleeding. The Ebola virus often affects the body organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Deadliness of Ebola
Previously, about 90% of people who contracted the virus have died. Ebola has been described as one of the earth's most destructive diseases. Recently, the survival rate has been much better, about 50% are surviving now with treatment.
Prevention
It is still not known what the common host for Ebola is. The fruit bat is believed to be the main culprit. If an animal is believed to have the virus, it would be best to quarantine the animal, pick out the infected animals, bury or incinerate the carcasses for safety.
Today, most cases of Ebola are the result of human to human transmission. Contraction occurs when there is direct contact with broken skin, bodily fluids, and secretions of a contaminated person.
Common sense will go a long way when preventing the spread of Ebola. Always avoid direct contact with blood, saliva, urine, and any other body fluid with someone who has the virus. If someone has died from the Ebola virus, avoid contact with the body and any medical equipment like needles.
If you work in the health care field, always practice rigorous infection control measures and properly use and disinfect instruments and medical devices used to care for patients with Ebola.
If you will be traveling, you want to closely monitor your heath during and after your trip. Be sure to see a doctor if you experience a fever or other symptoms during or after your travel especially if you've travelled to an area where the Ebola virus was present.
In today's world it's always best to treat every disease or infection with the upmost care and not take any chances when it comes to your health.
Melvin Noel is a prominent writer, researcher, entrepreneur, and a leader in the business industry. For more pertinent advice about Ebola please visit his site. Learn more about Ebola and how to survive this deadly virus.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8776622
The Ebola virus disease, which was also known as the Ebola haemorrhagic fever can be very fatal in when contracted my people. The virus is normally transferred to people from animals of the wild and spreads in the human population through person-to-person transmission or contact. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks. The first Ebola virus outbreaks that we know of occurred in isolated villages in Central Africa, near warm and humid rainforests, but the most recent outbreak in west Africa has involved major urban as well as rural areas.
Ebola Symptoms
Beginning symptoms may include muscle discomfort, fever, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and sore throat. These symptoms may be followed by some internal bleeding. The Ebola virus often affects the body organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Deadliness of Ebola
Previously, about 90% of people who contracted the virus have died. Ebola has been described as one of the earth's most destructive diseases. Recently, the survival rate has been much better, about 50% are surviving now with treatment.
Prevention
It is still not known what the common host for Ebola is. The fruit bat is believed to be the main culprit. If an animal is believed to have the virus, it would be best to quarantine the animal, pick out the infected animals, bury or incinerate the carcasses for safety.
Today, most cases of Ebola are the result of human to human transmission. Contraction occurs when there is direct contact with broken skin, bodily fluids, and secretions of a contaminated person.
Common sense will go a long way when preventing the spread of Ebola. Always avoid direct contact with blood, saliva, urine, and any other body fluid with someone who has the virus. If someone has died from the Ebola virus, avoid contact with the body and any medical equipment like needles.
If you work in the health care field, always practice rigorous infection control measures and properly use and disinfect instruments and medical devices used to care for patients with Ebola.
If you will be traveling, you want to closely monitor your heath during and after your trip. Be sure to see a doctor if you experience a fever or other symptoms during or after your travel especially if you've travelled to an area where the Ebola virus was present.
In today's world it's always best to treat every disease or infection with the upmost care and not take any chances when it comes to your health.
Melvin Noel is a prominent writer, researcher, entrepreneur, and a leader in the business industry. For more pertinent advice about Ebola please visit his site. Learn more about Ebola and how to survive this deadly virus.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8776622
Ebola Scare in Africa
Even though it happens to be that this is not the first time the Ebola Virus has found its way through the shores of Africa, its latest development has been that of an alarming one. As it stands now a handful of West African countries has been affected namely Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone.
It is believed that Ebola first emerged in Sudan and Zaire in 1976. The name Ebola was named after the Zaire River called "Ebola River" The first outbreak of Ebola is said to have infected 284 people with a mortality rate of 53%. The second emergence of Ebola was reported in Yambuku, Zaire. Ebola-Zaire (EBOZ) recorded the highest mortality rate of any of the Ebola viruses (88%) infected 318 people. The third strain of Ebola, Ebola Reston (EBOR), was first identified in 1989 when infected monkeys were imported into Reston, Virginia, from Mindanao in the Philippines. Ebola has found its way in the annals of West Africa and the Africa at large. The '2014 outbreak' of the Ebola has been a major threat to not only Africa but the World at large. Ghana in this regard is no exception to the threats of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) taking into cognizance that we are bounded by neighboring Ebola stricken Countries.
As the Ebola epidemic frenzies, two questions have surface: How did the noxious virus escape detection for three months? And why has a mammoth global interventions fail to contain it?
In Guinea, the case started in a small village (Meliandou) in the Forest region of southern Guinea. Bush meat has long been a common source of food for this village and they had it in bounty. But in the dying days of December the ordinary life in Meliandou came to an end when the Ebola virus gave a smooth landing in the village most likely in the body of a fruit bat-its natural non-human reservoir, according to a practical consensus among scientists. Ebola is one of the lethal viruses known to the world of Medical science, with no specific cure and mortality rates of up to 90 percent of affected people.
But the whodunit today is not how the epidemic began-it is why an unwavering attempt by an army of global connoisseurs is being futile. Part of the answer is the chameleon-like character the virus displays in this part of the world. An even larger part lies in the global response itself. It was swift and comprehensive; exactly what you would anticipate. But there was a bewildering reaction that enervated everything the experts sought to achieve; and at the same time hoodwinked many of them into believing they had prospered in their aims. Finally they fathomed the truth. By then it was too late.
Jeffrey E. Stern reports that the outbreak started when a few tiny rod-shaped particles; each merely an attack plan coded in ribonucleic acid and wrapped in a protein shell: found their way from a fruit bat into the body of a child not yet two years old. Perhaps, while the mother was preparing the day's hunt, some of the bat's blood was flung in the child's direction. Perhaps, while the mother's attention was elsewhere, the child touched the animal, then brought his hand to his mouth, the way babies do. Either way, a few strands of the Ebola virus attached themselves to cells in the child's immune system and used the cells' machinery to replicate. The boy developed a fever, then diarrhea and vomiting. His organs began to fail. He began to bleed internally and went into septic shock. In four days, he was dead
Until 2014, the deadliest Ebola outbreak on record had killed 280 people. As of this writing, 3,091 people have died from Ebola during the current West African outbreak, out of 6,574 confirmed cases, a report by World Health Organization (WHO). When Ebola strikes, it kills quickly, but it can take up to three weeks to incubate, and usually around 10 days.
How do you get the Ebola virus?
Direct contact with:
Body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola (blood, vomit, pee, poop, sweat, semen, spit, other fluids).
Objects contaminated with the virus (needles, medical equipment). Infected animals (by contact with blood or fluids or infected meat)
Early Symptoms: Ebola can only be spread to others after symptoms begin. Symptoms can appear from 2 to 21 days after exposure. Fever, Headache, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Stomach pain, unexplained bleeding or bruising Muscle pain. Ebola only spreads when people are sick. A patient must have symptoms to spread the disease to others.
Neil Gower also reports that Ebola can't be detected in the blood until symptoms show. An epidemic can start slowly and go unnoticed for weeks. This presupposes that one can have the Ebola virus and still not be detected. So now the question is, if people have the virus which can go unnoticed for weeks how can screening be detect it?
If the virus had failed in its first attempt in some years back, this time it is gaining momentum elsewhere, spreading through the forests and venturing dangerously close to international borders. It now behooves on us all to adhere to strict Ebola prevention methods given by Medical experts. For now, no known effective drug has been recommended as a cure to Ebola even though there has been some experimental drugs which is said to be effective in its own way. Until then, we have to stick to the common saying "prevention is better than cure."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8762318
It is believed that Ebola first emerged in Sudan and Zaire in 1976. The name Ebola was named after the Zaire River called "Ebola River" The first outbreak of Ebola is said to have infected 284 people with a mortality rate of 53%. The second emergence of Ebola was reported in Yambuku, Zaire. Ebola-Zaire (EBOZ) recorded the highest mortality rate of any of the Ebola viruses (88%) infected 318 people. The third strain of Ebola, Ebola Reston (EBOR), was first identified in 1989 when infected monkeys were imported into Reston, Virginia, from Mindanao in the Philippines. Ebola has found its way in the annals of West Africa and the Africa at large. The '2014 outbreak' of the Ebola has been a major threat to not only Africa but the World at large. Ghana in this regard is no exception to the threats of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) taking into cognizance that we are bounded by neighboring Ebola stricken Countries.
As the Ebola epidemic frenzies, two questions have surface: How did the noxious virus escape detection for three months? And why has a mammoth global interventions fail to contain it?
In Guinea, the case started in a small village (Meliandou) in the Forest region of southern Guinea. Bush meat has long been a common source of food for this village and they had it in bounty. But in the dying days of December the ordinary life in Meliandou came to an end when the Ebola virus gave a smooth landing in the village most likely in the body of a fruit bat-its natural non-human reservoir, according to a practical consensus among scientists. Ebola is one of the lethal viruses known to the world of Medical science, with no specific cure and mortality rates of up to 90 percent of affected people.
But the whodunit today is not how the epidemic began-it is why an unwavering attempt by an army of global connoisseurs is being futile. Part of the answer is the chameleon-like character the virus displays in this part of the world. An even larger part lies in the global response itself. It was swift and comprehensive; exactly what you would anticipate. But there was a bewildering reaction that enervated everything the experts sought to achieve; and at the same time hoodwinked many of them into believing they had prospered in their aims. Finally they fathomed the truth. By then it was too late.
Jeffrey E. Stern reports that the outbreak started when a few tiny rod-shaped particles; each merely an attack plan coded in ribonucleic acid and wrapped in a protein shell: found their way from a fruit bat into the body of a child not yet two years old. Perhaps, while the mother was preparing the day's hunt, some of the bat's blood was flung in the child's direction. Perhaps, while the mother's attention was elsewhere, the child touched the animal, then brought his hand to his mouth, the way babies do. Either way, a few strands of the Ebola virus attached themselves to cells in the child's immune system and used the cells' machinery to replicate. The boy developed a fever, then diarrhea and vomiting. His organs began to fail. He began to bleed internally and went into septic shock. In four days, he was dead
Until 2014, the deadliest Ebola outbreak on record had killed 280 people. As of this writing, 3,091 people have died from Ebola during the current West African outbreak, out of 6,574 confirmed cases, a report by World Health Organization (WHO). When Ebola strikes, it kills quickly, but it can take up to three weeks to incubate, and usually around 10 days.
How do you get the Ebola virus?
Direct contact with:
Body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola (blood, vomit, pee, poop, sweat, semen, spit, other fluids).
Objects contaminated with the virus (needles, medical equipment). Infected animals (by contact with blood or fluids or infected meat)
Early Symptoms: Ebola can only be spread to others after symptoms begin. Symptoms can appear from 2 to 21 days after exposure. Fever, Headache, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Stomach pain, unexplained bleeding or bruising Muscle pain. Ebola only spreads when people are sick. A patient must have symptoms to spread the disease to others.
Neil Gower also reports that Ebola can't be detected in the blood until symptoms show. An epidemic can start slowly and go unnoticed for weeks. This presupposes that one can have the Ebola virus and still not be detected. So now the question is, if people have the virus which can go unnoticed for weeks how can screening be detect it?
If the virus had failed in its first attempt in some years back, this time it is gaining momentum elsewhere, spreading through the forests and venturing dangerously close to international borders. It now behooves on us all to adhere to strict Ebola prevention methods given by Medical experts. For now, no known effective drug has been recommended as a cure to Ebola even though there has been some experimental drugs which is said to be effective in its own way. Until then, we have to stick to the common saying "prevention is better than cure."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8762318
The Ebola Virus - Why Ebola Is Scarier Than HIV
Ebola is a virus that causes severe illness in humans and nonhuman primates. It is thought to be contracted from bats but the exact origin is unknown at this time. The ebola virus symptoms are flu like. Sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. These symptoms are followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, organ failure and bleeding, both internal and external.
Most cases of Ebola are from human-to-human contact. To become infected, infected blood or body fluid came into direct contact through broken skin or through a mucous membrane, eyes, mouth, lips, ears, genital area, and anus. Infection can also occur if a mucous membrane comes into contact with a contaminated surface.
To clear up rumors, Ebola is not transmitted through the air in droplets like the influenza virus or the common cold, food and water in the United States, shaking hands or any other casual contact. However, while not a symptom of Ebola, if an infected person coughs or sneezes and the saliva or mucus comes into contact with a person's eyes, nose or mouth, the disease could be transmitted. Consuming undercooked wild meat or game meat in West Africa could potentially transmit the virus.
The incubation period of the Ebola virus is 2 to 21 days. That means that once infected, it may take up to 21 days before any symptoms are felt. However, the person infected is not contagious prior to demonstrating any symptoms.
Why is Ebola more scary than HIV? A symptomatic person infected with HIV may have a viral load of 100,000 to 1 million HIV virus particles in every milliliter of blood. A symptomatic person infected with Ebola may have a viral load of 5 billion to 50 billion in every milliliter of blood. This means that there is so much virus inside the person, it will even be excreted in sweat. The chances of a caregiver coming in contact with a large enough volume to become infected increase exponentially with viral load numbers this high.
People who have traveled to areas of the world where Ebola is an issue should be quarantined for the incubation period of at least 21 days. If suspected of contracting the Ebola virus, only level 4 biosafety facilities are properly equipped to handle the virus and those infected with it. These level 4 facilities are properly contained and have all the safety gear needed in order for caregivers to take care of patients without coming into contact with the virus while keeping the virus contained. Caregivers are to be very vigilant with cleaning surfaces with 10% bleach solution. All clothing and linens of infected patients should be destroyed.
The odds of coming in contact with the Ebola virus in the United States are very slim. The virus multiplies rapidly resulting in extremely high amounts of the virus in an infected person's body fluid. Wash your hands and clean all surfaces with a 10% bleach solution to clean surfaces.
A medical laboratory scientist with an entrepreneurial spirit. Helping everyday people save money and make money from products and services we all use everyday. Call me at (410) 404-7175 to learn more information about the opportunity and how we can help you change the direction of your life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8784446
Most cases of Ebola are from human-to-human contact. To become infected, infected blood or body fluid came into direct contact through broken skin or through a mucous membrane, eyes, mouth, lips, ears, genital area, and anus. Infection can also occur if a mucous membrane comes into contact with a contaminated surface.
To clear up rumors, Ebola is not transmitted through the air in droplets like the influenza virus or the common cold, food and water in the United States, shaking hands or any other casual contact. However, while not a symptom of Ebola, if an infected person coughs or sneezes and the saliva or mucus comes into contact with a person's eyes, nose or mouth, the disease could be transmitted. Consuming undercooked wild meat or game meat in West Africa could potentially transmit the virus.
The incubation period of the Ebola virus is 2 to 21 days. That means that once infected, it may take up to 21 days before any symptoms are felt. However, the person infected is not contagious prior to demonstrating any symptoms.
Why is Ebola more scary than HIV? A symptomatic person infected with HIV may have a viral load of 100,000 to 1 million HIV virus particles in every milliliter of blood. A symptomatic person infected with Ebola may have a viral load of 5 billion to 50 billion in every milliliter of blood. This means that there is so much virus inside the person, it will even be excreted in sweat. The chances of a caregiver coming in contact with a large enough volume to become infected increase exponentially with viral load numbers this high.
People who have traveled to areas of the world where Ebola is an issue should be quarantined for the incubation period of at least 21 days. If suspected of contracting the Ebola virus, only level 4 biosafety facilities are properly equipped to handle the virus and those infected with it. These level 4 facilities are properly contained and have all the safety gear needed in order for caregivers to take care of patients without coming into contact with the virus while keeping the virus contained. Caregivers are to be very vigilant with cleaning surfaces with 10% bleach solution. All clothing and linens of infected patients should be destroyed.
The odds of coming in contact with the Ebola virus in the United States are very slim. The virus multiplies rapidly resulting in extremely high amounts of the virus in an infected person's body fluid. Wash your hands and clean all surfaces with a 10% bleach solution to clean surfaces.
A medical laboratory scientist with an entrepreneurial spirit. Helping everyday people save money and make money from products and services we all use everyday. Call me at (410) 404-7175 to learn more information about the opportunity and how we can help you change the direction of your life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8784446
The Ebola Virus Infection
Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever infection (EHF) caused by the fatal and still mysterious Ebola Virus has became a worldwide concern since its discovery in 1976. The Ebola outbreaks in the African continent have alarmed scientists, medical experts, and the government and volunteer organizations so that teams have been deployed to monitor and control the situation. The main concern of this paper is to present vital information that will establish the fact that Ebola virus infection can be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals. Bulk of this paper is an analysis of the nature of Ebola virus and its transmission from animals to human beings contained in the first four sections. A section was also provided for the information on the Ebola outbreaks and reported occurrence, arranged chronologically using CDC and WHO recent reports and fact sheets. The last two sections were designated for the EHF symptoms, diagnosis and laboratory tests information. A section was also provided for recent update on the Ebola virus infection.
Ebola virus is a member of Filoviridae, a family of RNA virus. Ebola was named after the river in the Republic Congo, Ebola, where it was discovered. It is one of the 18 known viruses that cause viral hemorrhagic fever syndrome (J. King). As backgrounder, RNA viruses like the Ebola virus are considered as zoonoses, meaning they are animal-borne, that cause damage to the microvasculature leading to an increased vascular permeability. The family Filoviridae is has the largest genome of the order Mononegavirales. Filo (in Filoviridae) is Latin word for worm (E. Burton). Members of this family appear to be thread-like and look like worms when seen under a microscope (Oldstone 134). Other descriptions of its form include that of pigtails, snakes, that of a "shepherd's crook" and form a "U" shape when bended (www.geocites.com). Studies made on the virions revealed that they are composed of helical nucleocapsid and are of 80nm diameter (CDC, 2000). Ebola virus and its co-member Mamburg virus were re-classified from Rhabdoviridae family to Filoviridae (CDC).
Ebola virus has three subtypes: the Ebola-Zaire, the Ebola-Sudan, Ebola-Ivory Coast and Ebola-Reston all of which were named after the rivers from which they were discovered (WHO, 2004). Zaire was said to be the most lethal of the four strains of Ebola. It was the first recorded strain of Ebola to have affected humans which was recorded in October 1976. Zaire causes 80%-90% fatality rate on its human victims (E. Burton). Ebola Sudan, compared to Zaire is less fatal with only 50%-60% fatality rate. Ebola Tai or the Ebola Ivory Coast was discovered in 1994 which was found to have infected and killed chimpanzees (L. Garette). The last subtype seems to have an Asian origin since it was identified and discovered from the batch of monkeys shipped from the Philippines (geocites.com). The laboratory experiment done in Reston, Virginia revealed that the said strain can be transmitted by air and has not yet been proven to be fatal not dangerous to humans ( Peterson, et. al).
Since the Ebola virus was first discovered, scientists and health workers immediately isolated the infected hosts. The isolation was promptly made for the purpose of searching for the possible cure of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever. When it was fist discovered in a cotton factory, everything in the factory, including bat droppings were collected and brought in laboratories for studies. The insects and every living thing contained in the factory were also captured for study. This step was however disadvantageous as to the experts' search for the answer to a vital question: where is the virus' reservoir?
Based on the origin of the infected mammals, the scientists thought that it could have been a resident of the African rainforests and in the West Pacific area. The scientists' theory was that it was not the non-human primates or the humans who are the source of the infection as they appear to be just being only infected as a result of transmission from the real reservoir.
Bats, which were also captured from the cotton factory, were found to have also been infected by the virus. The laboratory tests however revealed that bats, unlike humans and primates victims do not die of the infection. Studies at this point as to the natural reservoir of the Ebola virus were so far in vain. As with human infection, studies revealed that it was due to the transmission of the virus by direct contact with infected gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found dead in the rainforest.
The well-known disease caused by Ebola virus is the Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (EHF), which according to experts is often fatal in both human and non-human primate victims according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The World Health Organization reported a 50%-90% fatality rate on victims. In the Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever Fact Sheet No.103 released by the World Health Organization on May 2004, the following information was provided relative to the transmission of Ebola:
a. The Ebola virus can be transmitted by direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons.
b. Direct contact with the dead bodies of infected persons can also be a possible means of Ebola transmission.
c. Handling of infected animals, both dead and alive can also transmit the virus. The said case was true and was actually documented on the Reston strain where researchers who handled the infected monkeys were also infected.
d. Inadequate precautions while treating infected individuals can also be a means of Ebola transmission. WHO says that those health workers who have frequent and direct contact with the patients have the possibility of being also infected. Unhygienic hospital practices such as the use of unsterilized syringes can also spread the virus.
African-derived Filovirus infections are said to have been transmitted through the body fluids of the host such as blood and saliva (King, 2007). "The results of tests and studies on non-human primates revealed that EBO-Z (Ebola Zaire) and EBO-S (Ebola Sudan) were possibly transmitted through the mucous membranes, conjunctiva, pharynx and gastrointestinal surfaces, small breaks in the skin, and, at least experimentally, by aerosol," says King. King also mentioned in his discussion the case of infected patients who were found to have Ebola virus in 100% of their oral secretions. For this, the author believes that oral secretions can also be a means of the viral transmission.
Confirmed cases of Ebola HF have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Sudan, the Ivory Coast, and Uganda (www.webmd.com). Ebola has been found to be the cause of well-documented outbreaks of severe human hemorrhagic fever, with 88% mortality rates in the areas of Yambuku, Democratic Republic of the Congo (King, 2007). Yambuku is a small village in Northern Zaire from which Ebola outbreak began in 1976 (CDC 5-8). It was in a small village run by Belgian nuns where the outbreak began recording 318 infected individuals (Garrett 100-105). Gabon was struck next, with several occurrences between 1994 and 1996 with about 57% fatalities according to the CDC report. There were also cases of infection found in Liberia, in England and in the Philippines although there were no reports of fatalities.
According to Pennsylvania Department of Health, victim of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever may generally experience sore throat, muscle aches and weakness. At the early stage of the disease, the patient may present with fever and severe constitutional signs and ebola symptoms (King, 2007). Documented cases also include symptoms such as maculopapular rashes that are easily recognized on white skin. At the development stage of the infection, infected patients experience an inflammation of the throat medically termed as Diarrhea Pharyngitis and also inflammation of the mucous membranes in the eyes referred to as Conjunctivitis, aside from vomiting and abdominal pains. At the late stage of the disease, hippocratic facies occur (Leroy, E.M., et. al). As a result of the inability of blood clotting, internal bleeding occurs. Bleeding starts from injection sites, on the mucous membranes, into the gastrointestinal tracts, on the skin and internal organs. Myocarditis and pulmonary edema also are seen in the later stages of the disease (Pennsylvania Department of Health).
Because some of the early symptoms of EHF are similar to symptoms of other diseases such as malaria and typhoid fever, medical experts agree that EHF diagnosis is somewhat difficult. For this reason, specialists need to conduct several laboratory tests to a person suspected on having infected by EHF to ensure results. Such laboratory tests include blood film examination and stool culture. Other comprehensive tests include the following:
a. ELISA (Antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) Testing-a serologic testing that is done after few days of the onset of symptoms. Follow up tests are also done using immunoglobulin M-capture ELISA, that is conducted using EBO-Z viral antigens. Such antigens are taken from cells that are infected by Vero E6 (A. Takada, 1988). Also done as ELISA test is the immunoglobulin G (IgG) that uses detergent-extracted Ebola antigens. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and virus isolation are done on diseased patients. The above tests, according to CDC are however considered high-risk procedures and are done only on high-containment laboratories.
b. Indirect immunofluorescence test - it is the most common test done on EHF patients which lack specificity. For this reason, other tests such as the ELISA tests were consequently developed.
c. Electron microscopy - the purpose of this test is mainly to identify filoviruses in tissue of patients. However, limitations of the results of this testing method have been reconsidered when human outbreaks in other areas occurred.
d. Immunohistochemical test - it is a more specific testing method used by medical experts for diagnosis and surveillance. This test is done on skin of diseased patients after formalin has been applied.
EHF has been one of the biggest fear of humans especially in Africa where it the several initial outbreaks occurred. However, recent reports said EHF is not only harmful and fatal to humans but also to primates, especially to gorillas. In the report releases by the National Geographic News on December 07, 2006, the virus has been "marching steadily across western and central Africa, wiping out more than 90 percent of the gorillas in its path and threatening the species with extinction" (K. Ravilious). The report made by a team of researchers and scientists monitoring the spread of Ebola virus on gorilla population, the team estimated that there were about 5,000 gorillas killed by the virus since 1995 in Lossi Sanctuary alone (Science Journal). What remains hidden to scientists is the natural reservoir of the Ebola virus, although there have been hypothesis that points to fruit bats, which were also tested for the infection but did not die out of it.
Researches on possible cure for EHF are a continuing effort. In 2003, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) released official reports of its human trial of the vaccine designed to prevent Ebola virus infection. The report said that the experimental vaccine, a type called a DNA vaccine, "is similar to other investigational vaccines that hold promise for controlling such diseases as AIDS, influenza, malaria and hepatitis" (NIAID, 2003). The experiment was conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, on 27 volunteers, ages 18-44. Volunteers injected with the trial vaccine thrice in two months are expected not to be exposed with Ebola virus.
Prior to the NIAID vaccine trial, group of scientists from Emory and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has discovered valuable information relative to the Ebola virus lethal effects (H. Korschun). The scientists reported that "a mouse strain of Ebola virus adapted from a human strain induces a strong T-cell immune response" (Emory Report, April 23, 2001). Such finding is contrary to the previous hypothesis that infected patients die of the Ebola virus due to a virus-caused suppression of the immune system. The researchers' conclusion was that Ebola virus has rapid fatal response in the experimented mice that even with the presence of T-cells, the immune response of infected host cannot cope up with the fatal virus.
Using vital information from CDC and WHO reports and fact sheets, we were able to analyze the nature of the killer Ebola virus, how it is transmitted to animals and to humans how it replicates and consequently damages the system of the infected patient. Having information on the Ebola outbreaks, from its discovery to the most recent reported case, we were able to have the idea that Ebola virus is unlike malaria and typhoid fever viruses although similar symptoms are being experienced by patients. The uniqueness of the virus lies on the fact that not only humans are being infected but also non-human primates like monkeys and gorillas. Although the natural reservoir of the virus remains unknown, experiments and trials of Ebola vaccine offer hope for the world especially the African continent which has been severely affected. The researches and experiments continue and the world hopes to find favorable results in the near future.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1779179
Ebola virus is a member of Filoviridae, a family of RNA virus. Ebola was named after the river in the Republic Congo, Ebola, where it was discovered. It is one of the 18 known viruses that cause viral hemorrhagic fever syndrome (J. King). As backgrounder, RNA viruses like the Ebola virus are considered as zoonoses, meaning they are animal-borne, that cause damage to the microvasculature leading to an increased vascular permeability. The family Filoviridae is has the largest genome of the order Mononegavirales. Filo (in Filoviridae) is Latin word for worm (E. Burton). Members of this family appear to be thread-like and look like worms when seen under a microscope (Oldstone 134). Other descriptions of its form include that of pigtails, snakes, that of a "shepherd's crook" and form a "U" shape when bended (www.geocites.com). Studies made on the virions revealed that they are composed of helical nucleocapsid and are of 80nm diameter (CDC, 2000). Ebola virus and its co-member Mamburg virus were re-classified from Rhabdoviridae family to Filoviridae (CDC).
Ebola virus has three subtypes: the Ebola-Zaire, the Ebola-Sudan, Ebola-Ivory Coast and Ebola-Reston all of which were named after the rivers from which they were discovered (WHO, 2004). Zaire was said to be the most lethal of the four strains of Ebola. It was the first recorded strain of Ebola to have affected humans which was recorded in October 1976. Zaire causes 80%-90% fatality rate on its human victims (E. Burton). Ebola Sudan, compared to Zaire is less fatal with only 50%-60% fatality rate. Ebola Tai or the Ebola Ivory Coast was discovered in 1994 which was found to have infected and killed chimpanzees (L. Garette). The last subtype seems to have an Asian origin since it was identified and discovered from the batch of monkeys shipped from the Philippines (geocites.com). The laboratory experiment done in Reston, Virginia revealed that the said strain can be transmitted by air and has not yet been proven to be fatal not dangerous to humans ( Peterson, et. al).
Since the Ebola virus was first discovered, scientists and health workers immediately isolated the infected hosts. The isolation was promptly made for the purpose of searching for the possible cure of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever. When it was fist discovered in a cotton factory, everything in the factory, including bat droppings were collected and brought in laboratories for studies. The insects and every living thing contained in the factory were also captured for study. This step was however disadvantageous as to the experts' search for the answer to a vital question: where is the virus' reservoir?
Based on the origin of the infected mammals, the scientists thought that it could have been a resident of the African rainforests and in the West Pacific area. The scientists' theory was that it was not the non-human primates or the humans who are the source of the infection as they appear to be just being only infected as a result of transmission from the real reservoir.
Bats, which were also captured from the cotton factory, were found to have also been infected by the virus. The laboratory tests however revealed that bats, unlike humans and primates victims do not die of the infection. Studies at this point as to the natural reservoir of the Ebola virus were so far in vain. As with human infection, studies revealed that it was due to the transmission of the virus by direct contact with infected gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found dead in the rainforest.
The well-known disease caused by Ebola virus is the Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (EHF), which according to experts is often fatal in both human and non-human primate victims according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The World Health Organization reported a 50%-90% fatality rate on victims. In the Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever Fact Sheet No.103 released by the World Health Organization on May 2004, the following information was provided relative to the transmission of Ebola:
a. The Ebola virus can be transmitted by direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons.
b. Direct contact with the dead bodies of infected persons can also be a possible means of Ebola transmission.
c. Handling of infected animals, both dead and alive can also transmit the virus. The said case was true and was actually documented on the Reston strain where researchers who handled the infected monkeys were also infected.
d. Inadequate precautions while treating infected individuals can also be a means of Ebola transmission. WHO says that those health workers who have frequent and direct contact with the patients have the possibility of being also infected. Unhygienic hospital practices such as the use of unsterilized syringes can also spread the virus.
African-derived Filovirus infections are said to have been transmitted through the body fluids of the host such as blood and saliva (King, 2007). "The results of tests and studies on non-human primates revealed that EBO-Z (Ebola Zaire) and EBO-S (Ebola Sudan) were possibly transmitted through the mucous membranes, conjunctiva, pharynx and gastrointestinal surfaces, small breaks in the skin, and, at least experimentally, by aerosol," says King. King also mentioned in his discussion the case of infected patients who were found to have Ebola virus in 100% of their oral secretions. For this, the author believes that oral secretions can also be a means of the viral transmission.
Confirmed cases of Ebola HF have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Sudan, the Ivory Coast, and Uganda (www.webmd.com). Ebola has been found to be the cause of well-documented outbreaks of severe human hemorrhagic fever, with 88% mortality rates in the areas of Yambuku, Democratic Republic of the Congo (King, 2007). Yambuku is a small village in Northern Zaire from which Ebola outbreak began in 1976 (CDC 5-8). It was in a small village run by Belgian nuns where the outbreak began recording 318 infected individuals (Garrett 100-105). Gabon was struck next, with several occurrences between 1994 and 1996 with about 57% fatalities according to the CDC report. There were also cases of infection found in Liberia, in England and in the Philippines although there were no reports of fatalities.
According to Pennsylvania Department of Health, victim of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever may generally experience sore throat, muscle aches and weakness. At the early stage of the disease, the patient may present with fever and severe constitutional signs and ebola symptoms (King, 2007). Documented cases also include symptoms such as maculopapular rashes that are easily recognized on white skin. At the development stage of the infection, infected patients experience an inflammation of the throat medically termed as Diarrhea Pharyngitis and also inflammation of the mucous membranes in the eyes referred to as Conjunctivitis, aside from vomiting and abdominal pains. At the late stage of the disease, hippocratic facies occur (Leroy, E.M., et. al). As a result of the inability of blood clotting, internal bleeding occurs. Bleeding starts from injection sites, on the mucous membranes, into the gastrointestinal tracts, on the skin and internal organs. Myocarditis and pulmonary edema also are seen in the later stages of the disease (Pennsylvania Department of Health).
Because some of the early symptoms of EHF are similar to symptoms of other diseases such as malaria and typhoid fever, medical experts agree that EHF diagnosis is somewhat difficult. For this reason, specialists need to conduct several laboratory tests to a person suspected on having infected by EHF to ensure results. Such laboratory tests include blood film examination and stool culture. Other comprehensive tests include the following:
a. ELISA (Antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) Testing-a serologic testing that is done after few days of the onset of symptoms. Follow up tests are also done using immunoglobulin M-capture ELISA, that is conducted using EBO-Z viral antigens. Such antigens are taken from cells that are infected by Vero E6 (A. Takada, 1988). Also done as ELISA test is the immunoglobulin G (IgG) that uses detergent-extracted Ebola antigens. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and virus isolation are done on diseased patients. The above tests, according to CDC are however considered high-risk procedures and are done only on high-containment laboratories.
b. Indirect immunofluorescence test - it is the most common test done on EHF patients which lack specificity. For this reason, other tests such as the ELISA tests were consequently developed.
c. Electron microscopy - the purpose of this test is mainly to identify filoviruses in tissue of patients. However, limitations of the results of this testing method have been reconsidered when human outbreaks in other areas occurred.
d. Immunohistochemical test - it is a more specific testing method used by medical experts for diagnosis and surveillance. This test is done on skin of diseased patients after formalin has been applied.
EHF has been one of the biggest fear of humans especially in Africa where it the several initial outbreaks occurred. However, recent reports said EHF is not only harmful and fatal to humans but also to primates, especially to gorillas. In the report releases by the National Geographic News on December 07, 2006, the virus has been "marching steadily across western and central Africa, wiping out more than 90 percent of the gorillas in its path and threatening the species with extinction" (K. Ravilious). The report made by a team of researchers and scientists monitoring the spread of Ebola virus on gorilla population, the team estimated that there were about 5,000 gorillas killed by the virus since 1995 in Lossi Sanctuary alone (Science Journal). What remains hidden to scientists is the natural reservoir of the Ebola virus, although there have been hypothesis that points to fruit bats, which were also tested for the infection but did not die out of it.
Researches on possible cure for EHF are a continuing effort. In 2003, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) released official reports of its human trial of the vaccine designed to prevent Ebola virus infection. The report said that the experimental vaccine, a type called a DNA vaccine, "is similar to other investigational vaccines that hold promise for controlling such diseases as AIDS, influenza, malaria and hepatitis" (NIAID, 2003). The experiment was conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, on 27 volunteers, ages 18-44. Volunteers injected with the trial vaccine thrice in two months are expected not to be exposed with Ebola virus.
Prior to the NIAID vaccine trial, group of scientists from Emory and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has discovered valuable information relative to the Ebola virus lethal effects (H. Korschun). The scientists reported that "a mouse strain of Ebola virus adapted from a human strain induces a strong T-cell immune response" (Emory Report, April 23, 2001). Such finding is contrary to the previous hypothesis that infected patients die of the Ebola virus due to a virus-caused suppression of the immune system. The researchers' conclusion was that Ebola virus has rapid fatal response in the experimented mice that even with the presence of T-cells, the immune response of infected host cannot cope up with the fatal virus.
Using vital information from CDC and WHO reports and fact sheets, we were able to analyze the nature of the killer Ebola virus, how it is transmitted to animals and to humans how it replicates and consequently damages the system of the infected patient. Having information on the Ebola outbreaks, from its discovery to the most recent reported case, we were able to have the idea that Ebola virus is unlike malaria and typhoid fever viruses although similar symptoms are being experienced by patients. The uniqueness of the virus lies on the fact that not only humans are being infected but also non-human primates like monkeys and gorillas. Although the natural reservoir of the virus remains unknown, experiments and trials of Ebola vaccine offer hope for the world especially the African continent which has been severely affected. The researches and experiments continue and the world hopes to find favorable results in the near future.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1779179
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