Information on Ebola Virus

Twenty years ago Ebola virus first emerged in simultaneous outbreaks in Sudan (ref 1) and Zaire (ref 2). Two subsequent outbreaks have occurred, (ref 3,4) but transmission among human populations has not been sustained. Despite substantial progress in our understanding of Ebola we have not identified its natural reservoir or the trigger for its re-emergence in new outbreaks in humans. Despite all this, the number of cases will inevitably rise in the next three weeks among those already infected.

The viruses are classified in the family 'Filoviridae', with one genus, 'Filovirus'. There are four known viruses. We have Marburg virus and three Ebola viruses: Zaire, Sudan and Reston. Marburg and Ebola are distinguished by their length when purified. In the unpurified state you get all different lengths of these worm-like virions. When they are purified, the infectivity is associated with a particular particle length, which is slightly different between the Marburg and Ebola, but all of the Ebola viruses are the same length.

Human infection with African-derived strains has often occurred in caregivers, either family or medical, or in family members who have prepared dead relatives for burial. Late stages of Ebola are associated with the presence of large numbers of virions in body fluids, tissues, and, especially, skin. Individuals who come into contact with patients infected with Ebola without proper barrier protection are at high risk of becoming infected. A recent report from the DRC identified Ebola virus RNA in 100% of oral secretions in patients with Ebola virus RNA in their serum.

The needle used for Lokela¹s quinine injection was inadequately sterilized, so Ebola had spread from patient to patient as the needles were reused. They called Dr. Ngoi Mushola, the area director, for help. He taught them how to sterilize their needles and purify water. He also told the nurses to instruct patients¹ families not to bury their dead inside or close to their homes as tradition dictated, since Ebola could spread from dead bodies. He also called authorities in Kinshasa, the nation¹s capital, for help. Kinshasa sent a microbiologist and an epidemiologist who performed autopsies on dead patients and collected samples.

Ebola virus is transmitted by contact with blood, feces or body fluids from an infected person or by direct contact with the virus, as in a laboratory. People can be exposed to Ebola virus from direct contact with the blood or secretions of an infected person. This is why the virus has often been spread through the families and friends of infected persons: in the course of feeding, holding, or otherwise caring for them, family members and friends would come into close contact with such secretions.

The virus specifically affects liver cells and reticuloendothelial cells. Affected blood capillaries leak fluids and plasma proteins, causing intravascular coagulation and a zero clotting factor. The water volume loss in the body produces clinical shock, thereby causing the organs of the body to fail. The incubation period is typically from two to twenty-one days, and, depending on the victim, symptoms occur fairly shortly after transmission. "All forms of viral hemorrhagic fever begin with fever and muscle aches. Depending on the particular virus, disease can progress until the patient becomes very ill with respiratory problems, severe bleeding, kidney problems, and shock. With Ebola, persons develop fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Disease And Illness" article category.

People interested in the above article "Information on Ebola Virus" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

This Is Nothing Short Of Being A Miracle Food – Especially For People Dealing With Hypoglycemia

Eating properly is not easy these days, even more so if you’re dealing with low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. You need energy to get through your busy day, you need protein to stay healthy, but you also need to stay away from starches, sugar and processed foods. Tall order. Well, we’ve found what we consider to be a miracle food that makes our lives so much easier. Come discover it too.

This Is A Dirty Dozen Foods To Avoid If You Suffer From Hypoglycemia

If you’re someone (or if you know someone who is) dealing with low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia issues, here are 12 terribly bad foods you really should avoid. Doing so will help you alleviate the symptoms, be healthier, and live a more energetic, productive and happier life.

Myasthenia Gravis and its Repercussions in Oral Health

Myasthenia Gravis is a muscle-related condition that can gravely affect a person's ability to maintain his oral hygiene. This is due to the fact that the patient normally has weakened muscles on the face, making it extremely hard for them to make the necessary movements needed when brushing one's own teeth.

The Relationship between Huntington's Disease and Oral Health

A lot of people might be surprised to know that Huntington's Disease can greatly affect a person's oral health. The reason can be as simple as the uncontrollable jerky movement that makes brushing almost impossible for a patient to severe involuntary muscle spasms, especially on the face, that makes a dental operation or check-up doubly hard perform.

What is the Epstein Barr Virus and How could it Affect Your Oral Health

The Epstein Barr virus (or EBV) is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world, and transmission is done through the exchange of saliva. As a part of the herpes family, the Epstein Barr virus can be easily transmitted and can spread within a few days or weeks.

Dealing with Dementia

Dementia is a condition where people start to lose their skills and abilities that are required to handle day to day task. This can really be a frustrating situation for others as the person having dementia doesn’t understand the fact that he is having some problems. In this situation, it is your responsibility to understand the fact that he is suffering from dementia.

Lyme Disease - Can It Do More Than Just Tick You Off When You Travel On Vacation?

Travelers, campers, tourists and vacationers alike can be at risk for getting Lyme disease, a serious, debilitating condition caused by being bitten by an infected tick. Some of the symptoms of Lyme disease are the classic bull’s-eye red rash, fatigue or loss of energy, feeling sleepy, tingling and numbness, swollen and painful joints, memory loss, and feeling like you are getting the flu. Paralysis of the face is a less common symptom.