What is Ebola?
Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), also known as Ebola Virus Disease- (EVD), is a contagious illness caused by an infection with the Ebola virus. It is a zoonotic (animal-borne). It is often fatal in humans, and non-human primates like monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees. The virus was first recognized in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) in 1976. No case of this illness in humans has ever been reported in the United States. There is no cure; treatment usually consists of providing supportive care while the body fights the infection.
What Causes It?
The cause is an infection with the Ebola virus . The virus got its name from the Ebola river in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) in Africa, where it was first recognized.
Transmission of Ebola:
Transmission of Ebola can occur through exposure to blood or bodily secretions of an infected person, or through direct contact with the person. During outbreaks of the Ebola virus, transmission of the virus in hospitals is very common, especially when patients are cared for without the use of proper barrier techniques and sterilization practices. One subtype of Ebola was reported in a primate research facility in Virginia, where it appears that transmission of Ebola from monkey to monkey occurred through the air; however, such transmission has not been seen among humans.
Challenges of Diagnosing Ebola:
Diagnosing Ebola hemorrhagic fever early in an individual can be difficult. A person who has been infected only a few days will have early Ebola symptoms, such as red eyes and a skin rash, that are not specific to the Ebola virus and are seen in other patients with conditions that occur much more frequently.
Ebola Prevention:
When it comes to Ebola, prevention involves avoiding direct contact with the body fluid of infected people. Also, it’s important to avoid direct contact with the body of an Ebola victim who has died. For healthcare workers in Africa, who are most likely to encounter cases of Ebola, prevention focuses on being able to recognize cases of the disease when they appear, as well as using barrier isolation techniques to avoid direct contact with infected people.
Ebola Cure:
There is no cure for Ebola, other than time. When symptoms of Ebola begin, healthcare providers can only offer supportive care while the body attempts to fight the infection. Despite this care, death still occurs in 50 to 90 percent of cases. Scientists are actively researching a new Ebola vaccine, which could prevent Ebola hemorrhagic fever from developing in the first place.
Ebola Researc:
Ebola research scientists are conducting many studies in hopes of answering important questions about the illness. Researchers are studying new diagnostic tools to help diagnose the illness sooner. Other areas of Ebola research include ecological studies focused on the search for the natural reservoir of the virus. An experimental Ebola vaccine that has shown promise in previous studies with monkeys is being researched.
