Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease in humans, and non-human primates, such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees. Scientists don’t know exactly where the virus was first originated. However they do believe that the virus is zoonotic, or animal born. They believe an animal host that is native to the African continent maintains it. A similar host would be monkeys associated with Ebola-Reston. Cases of Ebola Virus have been found in Congo, Gabon, Sudan, the Ivory Coast, Uganda, and Zaire.
In Liberia an individual with evidence of an infection but showing no apparent illness has been reported, and in England a lab worker became ill, but it was just the result of an accidental needle stick. Because the origin of the virus is unknown, researchers cannot determine the order in which the virus appears in a human at the start of an outbreak. However researchers have determined that the first individual infected with the disease becomes infected through a host animal, or another infected animal.
Ebola virus can be spread many different ways, people can become infected with the virus from having direct contact through blood and other secretions in the body. The virus is mostly spread between family and friends, because of contact through secretions. Nosocomial Transition refers to the spread of a virus through a health-care setting, such as a hospital or clinic. During an Ebola hemorrhagic outbreak, Nosocomial Transition occurs often.
That is why it is important to use Personal Protective Equipment, such as masks, gowns, and gloves. Exposure to the virus has often occurred when health-care workers do not wear PPE when caring for patients with the disease. The virus starts suddenly, with symptoms such as fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, soar throat, and weakness, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pains. In some patients a rash, red eyes, hiccups, and internal and external bleeding may occur.
There is no treatment for Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, but there is a supportive therapy offered to patients with the disease. The patient’s oxygen status and blood pressure is maintained, their fluids and electrolytes are balanced, and they are treated for any other complicating infections. To prevent Ebola from spreading, you should stay away from any patients with the disease and always wear protective clothing and equipment around infected persons. Lastly, you should keep the patient isolated from any other people or animals.
Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever is a very dangerous virus that is easily spread by people and animals. There is no treatment or cure for Ebola but it can be prevented. There are many known symptoms of Ebola virus. Scientists are still researching the Ebola virus to find its origin and a vaccine or treatment. Ebola is found throughout Africa and unlikely to be found anywhere else in the world. However, if you ever visit an area where Ebola is likely to be found, remember the helpful hints in this report.