Ebola Basics - What You Should Know

Half a world away, the largest Ebola outbreak in history has reached a staggering death toll numbering in the thousands. In some areas, medical personnel are unable to contain the infection to prevent the spread of this deadly disease that carries up to a 90% mortality rate in the affected African countries. On September 30, 2014, the CDC confirmed that a man in Dallas, TX, tested positive for the Ebola virus. That man has since passed away, the first known fatality in the United States. On October 12, 2014, a healthcare worker at Texas Presbyterian Hospital who provided care for that patient has tested positive for Ebola, thus becoming the first known case of Ebola actually contracted in the U.S.

What is Ebola? 

Ebola virus disease, or EVD, is a rare but potentially fatal condition that may result in hemorrhage, organ failure, and even death. The Ebola virus lives in wild animals. While researchers are not completely sure as to which animals originally carried the Ebola virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) believes that the disease came from bats. However, other animals can carry and transmit this virus to humans.

How is Ebola transmitted? 

It is possible to get the Ebola virus from animals or other humans through contact with blood, organs, or body fluid. Contrary to some horror stories or theories, Ebola is not transmitted through the air like many other microorganisms, nor can you catch the disease from water or food. However, it is important to note that the Ebola virus can be spread through contact with infected objects, such as syringes, gloves, and clothing. Human-to-human transmission is possible only when the carrier is showing symptoms of the disease, further limiting the potential spread.

How is Ebola spreading so quickly in Africa? 

Because direct contact with infected animals, people, or items is necessary for the spread of Ebola, it is important to contain infected individual to prevent the spread of the disease. There are many complex reasons for the rapid transmission contributing to the Ebola epidemic in Africa, but the majority of infections are acquired through caring for sick family members. Additionally, family members in these countries often handle and make contact with the corpse before burial, further spreading the disease.

How long does it take for symptoms to appear? 

When a person contracts the virus, it is not immediately apparent. Although symptoms may begin as early as 2 days after exposure to the virus, it can take up to 21 days for symptoms to appear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that the average is from 8-10 days.

What are the symptoms of EVD? 

Ebola virus disease can be difficult to diagnose due to symptoms that are similar to other more common illnesses, such as various forms of influenza. Once symptoms begin, the infected individual may experience a fever, headache, fatigue, weakness, sore throat, and muscle aches and pains. This is quickly followed by vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, and other symptoms associated with impending organ failure. Internal and external hemorrhage are possible, creating the terrifying visions that many people associate with an Ebola infection.

How is Ebola treated? 

There are currently no medications that are effective against the Ebola virus. Medical personnel can increase the chance of survival with supportive care measures and treating symptoms as they appear. Patients may need fluids, oxygen, control of blood pressure, blood transfusions, and treatment of secondary infections when trying to overcome EVD.

Can Ebola be prevented? 

There are currently no vaccines to prevent people from contracting this contagion, though there are a couple of possibilities in the works. The best way to prevent Ebola is to avoid contact with body fluids and blood of infected animals, humans, or contaminated objects. In addition, those who care for the ill or handle the dead should wear disposable full protective clothing and dispose of these items properly when done. When visiting those who are ill, avoid personal contact and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Maintaining good hygiene and a clean environment can help reduce transmission as well. If you think you may have contracted the virus, it is important to seek medical attention and avoid others to reduce the risk of further spread.

How can I reduce my risk of contracting Ebola? 

In the United State, it is unlikely that you will need to worry about contracting the Ebola virus due to available health care measures at hospitals used to treat infected persons in a secure environment. The CDC director, Dr. Tom Frieden, has repeatedly stated that "we will stop Ebola in its tracks in the U.S.” However, if you may have been exposed to another person that recently visited one of the affected African countries, you can reduce your risk by washing your hands on a regular basis, avoiding contact with blood or body fluids of anyone who appears to be sick or who has died from Ebola, and avoiding medical care facilities where Ebola patients are being treated. Although the CDC has travel advisories in effect to limit travel to affected countries, you can further reduce your risk by avoiding travel to nearby countries as well. There is a chance that more cases will be diagnosed in travelers, but the CDC is confident that the virus can be contained to prevent a potential epidemic on American soil.

Wellness News: Texas Hospital Worker Tests Positive For Ebola

Resources:

World Health Organization Media Centre

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Ebola (Ebola Virus Disease)