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Health: Ebola Virus, Causes, Symptoms And The Risk by Alexsmith20(m): 11:42pm On Jul 29, 2014 |
[\b]This weekend the Ebola virus was the cause of grim headlines after two Americans, including a doctor, were reported to be infected with the disease and Liberia's lead Ebola doctor died from the virus.[b] That news is on top of the heavy toll of 1,093 infected in the current outbreak as of July 20, according to the World Health Organization. Of those infected, 660 have died, meaning this outbreak has a fatality rate more than 60 percent. But what exactly is this dangerous disease that kills so many? The Ebola virus is described as a group of viruses that cause a deadly kind of hemorrhagic fever. The virus is transmitted through contact with blood or secretions from an infected person, either directly or through contaminated needles or medical equipment. The term "hemorrhagic fever" means it causes bleeding inside and outside the body. There is no cure. [\b]CAUSES[b] Ebola virus has been found in African monkeys, chimps and other nonhuman primates. A milder strain of Ebola has been discovered in monkeys and pigs in the Philippines. Marburg virus has been found in monkeys, chimps and fruit bats in Africa. [\b]Transmission from animals to humans[b] Experts suspect that both viruses are transmitted to humans through an infected animal's bodily fluids. Examples include: [\b]Blood[b]. Butchering or eating infected animals can spread the viruses. Scientists who have operated on infected animals as part of their research have also contracted the virus. [\b]Waste products[b]. Tourists in certain African caves and some underground mine workers have been infected with the Marburg virus, possibly through contact with the feces or urine of infected bats. [\b]Transmission from person to person[b] Infected people typically don't become contagious until they develop symptoms. Family members are often infected as they care for sick relatives or prepare the dead for burial. Medical personnel can be infected if they don't use protective gear, such as surgical masks and gloves. Medical centers in Africa are often so poor that they must reuse needles and syringes. Some of the worst Ebola epidemics have occurred because contaminated injection equipment wasn't sterilized between uses. There's no evidence that Ebola virus or Marburg virus can be spread via insect bites. [\b]What is Ebola hemorrhagic fever?[b] Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a viral disease caused by Ebola virus that results in nonspecific symptoms early in the disease and often causes internal and external hemorrhage (bleeding) as the disease progresses. Ebola hemorrhagic fever is considered one of the most lethal viral infections; the mortality rate (death rate) is very high during outbreaks (reports of outbreaks range from about 50% to 100% of humans infected, depending on the Ebola strain). [\b]What is the history of Ebola hemorrhagic fever?[b] Ebola hemorrhagic fever was first noted in Zaire (currently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or DRC) in 1976. The original outbreak was in a village near the Ebola River after which the disease was named. During that time, the virus was identified in person-to-person contact transmission.Of the 318 patients diagnosed with Ebola, 88% died. Since that time, there have been multiple outbreaks of Ebola virus, and five strains have been identified; four of the strains are responsible for the high death rates. The four Ebola strains are termed as follows: Zaire, Sudan, Tai Forest, and Bundibugyo virus, with Zaire being the most lethal strain. A fifth strain termed Reston has been found in the Philippines. The strain infects primates, pigs, and humans and causes few if any symptoms and no deaths in humans. Most outbreaks of the more lethal strains of Ebola have occurred in Africa and mainly in small- or medium-sized towns. Once recognized, African officials have isolated the area until the outbreak ceased. However, in this new outbreak that began in Africa in March 2014, some of the infected patients have reached larger city centers and have been hospitalized. Unfortunately, many people may have been exposed to the virus in the city, thus causing more infections (and deaths). This outbreak in Africa has now spread to Guinea's capital and has been detected in the neighboring countries of Liberia and Sierra Leone. About 122 infected people have been diagnosed and 78 have died as of Apr. 1, 2014. The infecting Ebola virus detected this outbreak is the Zaire strain, the most pathogenic strain of Ebola. Health agencies are terming this outbreak as an "unprecedented epidemic." [\b]Symptoms[b] Signs and symptoms typically begin abruptly within five to 10 days of infection with Ebola or Marburg virus. Early signs and symptoms include: Fever Severe headache Joint and muscle aches Chills Weakness Over time, symptoms become increasingly severe and may include: Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea (may be bloody) Red eyes Raised rash Chest pain and cough Stomach pain Severe weight loss Bleeding, usually from the eyes, and bruising (people near death may bleed from other orifices, such as ears, nose and rectum) Internal bleeding. [\b]Risk factors[b] For most people, the risk of getting Ebola or Marburg viruses (hemorrhagic fevers) is low. The risk increases if you: Travel to Africa. You're at increased risk if you visit or work in areas where Ebola virus or Marburg virus outbreaks have occurred. Conduct animal research. People are more likely to contract the Ebola or Marburg virus if they conduct animal research with monkeys imported from Africa or the Philippines. Provide medical or personal care. Family members are often infected as they care for sick relatives. Medical personnel also can be infected if they don't use protective gear, such as surgical masks and gloves. Prepare people for burial. The bodies of people who have died of Ebola or Marburg hemorrhagic fever are still contagious. Helping prepare these bodies for burial can increase your risk of developing the disease. www.mikibelieve..com/2014/07/health-ebola-virus-causessymptoms-and.html?m=1 |
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