Ebola virus- Identifying the symptoms.

Ebola is a rare but deadly infection that causes bleeding inside and outside the body. Ebola strikes mainly in remote villages of Central and West Africa, but it has spread to some African cities, too. The disease, also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever or Ebola virus disease kills up to 90% of people who are infected.

The Ebola virus was discovered in 1976 and has appeared in sporadic outbreaks since then. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 2,265 reported cases of Ebola fever in humans around the world since 1976. Of these, 1,531 resulted in death.

Types of Ebola Virus

There are five subtypes of Ebola virus:

·         Ebola-Zaire

·         Ebola-Sudan

·         Ebola-Ivory Coast

·         Ebola-Bundibugyo

·         Ebola-Reston

All of these subtypes are found in Africa, except for Ebola-Reston which is found in the Philippines. The Ebola-Reston virus is also the only subtype that will not cause illness in humans—it only affects animals.

How Do You Contract the Ebola Virus?

You can get the Ebola virus through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected animal or human. These include blood, saliva, semen, vomit, urine, or feces.

According to the World Health Organization, you can also get the virus by handling a sick or dead wild animal that has been infected with it . There is some evidence that the Ebola virus can be spread through the air from nonhuman primate to nonhuman primate such as monkey-to-monkey, in research facilities. No definitive studies have proven this, however.

Symptoms

In Ebola virus and Marburg virus, signs and symptoms typically begin abruptly within five to 10 days of infection. Early signs and symptoms include:

• ·         Fever

• ·         Severe headache

• ·         Joint and muscle aches

• ·         Chills

• ·         Sore throat

• ·         Weakness

Over time, symptoms become increasingly severe and may include:

• ·         Nausea and vomiting

• ·         Diarrhea (may be bloody)

• ·         Red eyes

• ·         Raised rash

• ·         Chest pain and cough

• ·         Stomach pain

• ·         Severe weight loss

• ·         Bleeding from the nose, mouth     rectum,  eyes and ears

How Can Ebola Fever Be Prevented?

You can lower your risk of becoming infected with the Ebola virus by avoiding locations where it is found, especially during times when there is an outbreak of Ebola fever. If you travel to Africa, avoid handling live or dead wild animals. Some species of animals besides primates may carry the Ebola virus. The African subtypes of the virus have also been found in forest antelope and fruit bats. Also, always be sure to wear special protective clothing (gown, gloves, full face mask and eye goggles) if you are around a person with Ebola fever.

Close physical contact with Ebola patients should be avoided. Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of patients at home.

Communities affected by Ebola should inform the population about the nature of the disease and about outbreak containment measures, including burial of the dead. People who have died from Ebola should be promptly and safely buried.

How Is Ebola Fever Treated?

There is no cure for Ebola fever. The only available treatments are those meant to help to ease your symptoms. These may include:

• ·         oxygen therapy

• ·         intravenous fluids

• ·         blood transfusions

• ·         medications to treat shock

• ·         pain medications

When to Call a Doctor

Call your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of Ebola fever and have recently traveled to Africa or been exposed to the Ebola virus. The earlier you receive treatment, the better your chances will be for survival.