<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>h2>EVD: Ebola Virus Disease
What is Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)?
Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human Population through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people or animals.
Ebola Virus
The Ebola virus is a member of the Filoviridae family, which also includes Marburg virus. The virus is named after the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it was first discovered in 1976.
Symptoms of EVD
The incubation period for EVD is typically 2 to 21 days. Symptoms can include:
- Early symptoms:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Sore throat
- Red eyes
- Later symptoms:
- Bleeding from the nose, gums, and other orifices
- Internal bleeding
- Skin rash
- Organ failure
- Shock
Transmission of EVD
EVD is spread through direct contact with:
- Infected bodily fluids: Blood, vomit, feces, urine, saliva, sweat, breast milk, and semen.
- Infected animals: Fruit bats are considered to be the natural reservoir for the Ebola virus.
- Contaminated objects: Needles, syringes, and other medical equipment that have been used on an infected person.
Table 1: Modes of Transmission of EVD
| Mode of Transmission | Description |
|---|---|
| Direct contact with infected bodily fluids | Contact with blood, vomit, feces, urine, saliva, sweat, breast milk, or semen of an infected person. |
| Contact with infected animals | Contact with the blood, organs, or bodily fluids of infected animals, particularly fruit bats. |
| Contact with contaminated objects | Contact with needles, syringes, or other medical equipment that has been used on an infected person. |
Diagnosis of EVD
Diagnosis of EVD is based on:
- Clinical presentation: Symptoms consistent with EVD.
- Laboratory testing: Blood tests to detect the Ebola virus.
Treatment of EVD
There is no specific treatment for EVD. Treatment focuses on supportive care, which includes:
- Fluid and electrolyte replacement: To prevent dehydration.
- Blood transfusions: To replace lost blood.
- Antibiotics: To prevent secondary infections.
- Pain relief: To manage pain and discomfort.
- Oxygen therapy: To support breathing.
Prevention of EVD
Prevention of EVD involves:
- Avoiding contact with infected animals: Avoid contact with wild animals, especially fruit bats.
- Practicing safe burial practices: Avoid direct contact with the bodies of deceased individuals who have died from EVD.
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE): Healthcare workers and others who may come into contact with infected individuals should wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.
- Washing hands frequently: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoiding contact with infected bodily fluids: Avoid contact with blood, vomit, feces, urine, saliva, sweat, breast milk, and semen of infected individuals.
- Vaccination: There are currently two Vaccines available for EVD, but they are not widely available.
Table 2: Prevention Measures for EVD
| Prevention Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Avoid contact with infected animals | Avoid contact with wild animals, especially fruit bats. |
| Practice safe burial practices | Avoid direct contact with the bodies of deceased individuals who have died from EVD. |
| Use personal protective equipment (PPE) | Healthcare workers and others who may come into contact with infected individuals should wear appropriate PPE. |
| Wash hands frequently | Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. |
| Avoid contact with infected bodily fluids | Avoid contact with blood, vomit, feces, urine, saliva, sweat, breast milk, and semen of infected individuals. |
| Vaccination | There are currently two vaccines available for EVD, but they are not widely available. |
Ebola Virus Disease Outbreaks
EVD outbreaks have occurred primarily in Central and West Africa. The largest outbreak on record occurred in West Africa from 2014 to 2016, affecting Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How is Ebola virus disease spread?
A: EVD is spread through direct contact with the blood, vomit, feces, urine, saliva, sweat, breast milk, or semen of an infected person. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as needles or syringes.
Q: What are the symptoms of Ebola virus disease?
A: Symptoms of EVD can include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, sore throat, red eyes, bleeding from the nose, gums, and other orifices, internal bleeding, skin rash, organ failure, and shock.
Q: Is there a cure for Ebola virus disease?
A: There is no specific cure for EVD. Treatment focuses on supportive care, which includes fluid and electrolyte replacement, blood transfusions, antibiotics, pain relief, and oxygen therapy.
Q: How can I protect myself from Ebola virus disease?
A: To protect yourself from EVD, avoid contact with infected animals, practice safe burial practices, use personal protective equipment (PPE), wash hands frequently, avoid contact with infected bodily fluids, and get vaccinated if available.
Q: What is the mortality rate for Ebola virus disease?
A: The mortality rate for EVD can vary depending on the outbreak and the availability of treatment. However, it is typically high, ranging from 25% to 90%.
Q: Is Ebola virus disease contagious?
A: EVD is contagious, but it is not as contagious as some other diseases, such as the flu or measles. It is spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects.
Q: What is the incubation period for Ebola virus disease?
A: The incubation period for EVD is typically 2 to 21 days. This means that a person who has been exposed to the virus may not develop symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure.
Q: What is the role of fruit bats in Ebola virus disease?
A: Fruit bats are considered to be the natural reservoir for the Ebola virus. This means that the virus can live in fruit bats without causing them any harm. However, the virus can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected fruit bats or their bodily fluids.
Q: What is the difference between Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease?
A: Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease are both caused by viruses in the Filoviridae family. They share many similarities, including their symptoms and modes of transmission. However, they are caused by different viruses and have different mortality rates.
Q: What is the current status of Ebola virus disease outbreaks?
A: There are currently no major Ebola virus disease outbreaks ongoing. However, the virus is still present in some parts of Africa, and there is always a risk of new outbreaks.
Q: What is being done to prevent future Ebola virus disease outbreaks?
A: Efforts to prevent future Ebola virus disease outbreaks include surveillance and early detection, vaccination, and public Health Education. Researchers are also working to develop new treatments and vaccines for EVD.