Ebola

Understanding the Devastating Impact of Ebola

Imagine a world where a sudden fever, sore throat, and muscle pain can turn into a life-threatening illness within days. That’s what happens with Ebola virus disease (EVD), a viral hemorrhagic fever that has caused fear and panic in many parts of the world.

The Symptoms Unfold

When you first contract Ebola, it feels like a severe case of flu. But as days pass, things get worse. You might experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hiccups—symptoms that can lead to severe dehydration. The next phase brings shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling, headaches, and confusion. In some cases, a maculopapular rash develops five to seven days after symptoms begin.

The Grim Reality

Ebola is no joke; it kills between 25% and 90% of those infected. Death typically occurs within six to 16 days after the first symptoms appear, often due to shock from fluid loss and bleeding. Survivors may face ongoing muscle and joint pain, liver inflammation, decreased hearing, tiredness, weakness, and difficulty returning to their pre-illness weight.

The Mystery of Ebola’s Origins

Where does this deadly virus come from? The mystery deepens as we explore the origins of Ebolavirus. Four out of six viruses in the genus Ebolavirus are responsible for outbreaks, with Ebola virus (EBOV) being the most dangerous and causing the largest number of cases.

The Natural Reservoir

Bats are considered the most likely candidate for Ebola’s natural reservoir. However, between 1976 and 1998, EBOV was not detected in any other species apart from some genetic traces found in six rodents and one shrew. Further research did not confirm these as a reservoir.

Animal Outbreaks

The virus can spread to humans through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals. In 2014, an outbreak in West Africa was traced back to a headmaster named Mabalo Lokela who showed symptoms on August 26, 1976. The virus spread rapidly, causing over 11,000 deaths.

The Spread and Transmission

Ebola spreads through direct contact with body fluids or contaminated items. It’s not airborne, but the theoretical possibility exists due to virus particles in saliva. Human-to-human transmission can occur through sexual contact, as the virus has been found in semen for over three months.

Handling Corpses

Handling human remains poses a significant risk of infection. In many cultures, burial rituals involve direct contact with the deceased, which can lead to further spread of the virus. Proper protective measures are crucial during these times.

The Impact on the Body

Ebolavirus replicates efficiently in many cells, producing large amounts of virus that trigger high levels of inflammatory chemical signals and a septic state. The virus infects humans through contact with mucous membranes or skin breaks, targeting endothelial cells, liver cells, macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells.

Internal and External Bleeding

The virus causes internal and external bleeding, leading to blood vessel injury due to excessive tissue factor production by infected immune cells. A secreted glycoprotein tethers the virus to endothelial cells, while another protein interferes with neutrophil signaling.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of EVD is confirmed through isolating the virus, detecting its RNA or proteins, or detecting antibodies against the virus in a person’s blood. Early symptoms may be similar to other diseases common in Africa, making differential diagnosis challenging.

Supportive Care

Treatment for EVD is primarily supportive, including rehydration, pain management, and treatment for nausea, fever, and anxiety. Several experimental treatments are being studied, but as of 2019, two were found to be 90% effective.

Prevention and Control

The key to preventing Ebola lies in infection control measures. Community awareness is crucial; caregivers should wear protective clothing including masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles when handling infected individuals or objects contaminated with body fluids.

Vaccines and Education

An Ebola vaccine was approved by the US FDA in December 2019. The general public should be educated about risk factors for Ebola infection and protective measures to prevent infection, including avoiding direct contact with infected people and regular hand washing.

Conclusion

Ebola virus disease is a complex and deadly illness that continues to pose significant challenges in terms of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Understanding its origins, transmission, and impact on the body can help us better prepare for future outbreaks and protect ourselves from this devastating disease.