FACTS ABOUT EBOLA VIRUS

Ebola is a deadly virus originating in parts of Africa. It is classified as a hemorrhagic fever, putting it in the same category as Marburg fever, Lassa fever, and Dengue fever. There are four varieties, named after their country of origin. Ebola Zaire, Ebola Cote d'Ivoire, and Ebola Sudan are all known to cause serious illness in human beings. Ebola Reston does not appear to cause illness in people.

The virus may be transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood and secretions. Well-established vectors for infection include handling other primates infected with Ebola, contact with infected corpses during funeral services, and touching infected patients without exercising proper caution. It is thought that the disease may be transferred through airborne particles, but so far there are no proven cases of this method of infection. Hospital staffs are particularly susceptible to infection during an outbreak, particularly in the nations in which Ebola has so far occurred. Difficult economic conditions and a lack of access to proper sterilization and protective garments make nurses and doctors easy target when they deal with patients who have been infected with this virus.

Contrary to popular misconception, Ebola does not kill within a matter of hours, and the virus will incubate for up to two weeks before symptoms begin to occur. These symptoms include a rapidly intensifying fever, horrible muscle pain, and debilitating weakness. Further symptoms may include diarrhea and vomiting, as well as both internal and external bleeding.

While popular media has presented the symptoms of Ebola as fast-acting and truly horrific visually, in most cases there is little external exhibition of the virus. While external bleeding may occur on occasion, it is rare, and the popular image of people "melting" or of internal organs literally liquefying is blown out of proportion. In fact, although it is classified as a hemorrhagic fever, less than half of cases ultimately result in hemorrhaging. When hemorrhaging does occur, however, it is certainly capable of some grotesque exhibitions, with bleeding possibly occurring from the mouth, genitals, nose, and beneath the skin.

The first outbreak of Ebola in which the virus was identified occurred in western Sudan and part of Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo, in 1976. More than 600 people were infected, and more than 400 died. In 1995, a second large outbreak occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, infecting 315 people and killing 250. Since first being identified, more than 1,800 cases have been determined, of which 1,200 resulted in deaths, making it one of the most fatal viruses to affect humans.

There have been reports that ingesting an extract from a West African fruit helps to treat Ebola once it has been contracted; these reports have yet to be rigorously tested, however. Work on a vaccine is ongoing, with the recent success of a totally reliable vaccine for Ebola in monkeys. Though no human vaccine has been produced that yields positive results, the future is promising.

What Are the Symptoms of Ebola?

The symptoms of Ebola hemorrhagic fever depend on the disease stage. Initially, an infected person experiences fever, inflammation of the pharynx or pharyngitis, joint pains, and muscle pains. Around the fifth day of infection, a maculopapular rash appears, usually more prominent on the trunk. Many patients also complain of bilateral conjunctivitis or sore eyes. Gastrointestinal complaints, including nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea also occur in association with bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

Among those who are fatally infected, one important sign is obtundation, which is decreased mental alertness and diminished response to pain. At this late stage, spontaneous bleeding from mucous membranes is common. A lack of urine, increased respiratory rate, low blood pressure, and shock follow. Myocarditis and pulmonary edema are also observed. Patients often die while in coma.