Ebola

What is Ebola??

• Ebola is a rare and deadly disease caused by the infection of the Ebola Virus (5 strands) • Ebola viruses are found in several African Countries.

• Ebola was first discovered in 1976, near the Ebola River in Congo.

• Outbreaks have occurred sporadically in Africa.

• Scientists believe the virus is animal-borne and bats are the likely reservoir.

Symptoms

Symptoms may appear 2-21 days after exposure Average is 8-10 days

Symptoms • Fever • Severe Headache • Muscle Pain • Weakness • Diarrhea • Vomiting • Stomach Pain • Unexplained Bleeding and Bruising

Transmission of Ebola • Ebola is spread through direct contact • Broken skin, mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) • Blood or body fluids • Objects (needles) • Consumption of Infected animals (bats, bushmeat) • Ebola is NOT spread by air.

• Prevention There is no vaccine • If you travel to an area affected by an Ebola outbreak: • Practice careful hygiene • Do not handle items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s blood/body fluids (clothes, bedding, needles, etc) • Avoid contact with bats and primates and raw meat of these animals • Avoid hospitals with Ebola patients • If contact is made, watch for symptoms over the next 21 days

Diagnosis and Treatment • If experiencing symptoms there are several laboratory tests that can be conducted in a hospital to diagnose Ebola Virus.

• Treatment (all while in quarantine): • IV fluids • Maintaining Oxygen and blood pressure • Treating infections as they occur • There is no cure (currently), only treatment.

• Scientists are working on a vaccine

Recovery • Recovery from Ebola is 30-50% • Depends on your immune response • Once you’ve had Ebola, you have antibodies for the virus that last at least 10 years

Ebola Graphing