Infectious Diseases and HIV Conference

Causes of Ebola are due to the Ebola virus, which is classified under the family known as Filoviridae. The disease is recognized to cause severe viral hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates.

The first reported cases of the disease were in 1976 after outbreaks in Sudan and what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. EVD has been known to cause very high mortalities whose case fats have at certain times passed 50% in some outbreaks.

There are five species of the Ebola virus, with the most lethal of them being the Zaire Ebola virus responsible for major outbreaks. The virus may have its origin from animal reservoirs like fruit bats, and trans-mission to humans can occur through direct contact with the infected animal, through infected bodily fluids, or by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.

Transmission Ebola is essentially transmitted via direct contact with: Body fluids: Blood, saliva, sweat, vomit, feces, and semen from an infected person Contaminated objects: Items such as contaminated needles and medical equipment that have come in contact with the body fluids of the infected Animals: Contact with infected animals either by touching them or by ingestion, for example, bats or nonhuman primates.

Symptoms of Ebola usually occur after 2 to 21 days after coming into contact with the virus include: Fever and chills .Severe headache Muscle pain,WeaknessFatigue,Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)Rash Internal and external bleeding in serious cases Diagnosis, Diagnosis of Ebola virus infection can be made only after laboratory tests.

These include: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The test determines the presence of the virus's genetic material in blood or other bodily fluids. Serological Tests. The test reveals the presence of antibodies to the virus in the blood. Treatment There is no specific antiviral treatment to Ebola but supportive care forms the crux. This includes: Rehydration: I.V fluids to rehydrate and replace electrolyte balance. Symptomatic Management: Pain and antipyretic management.

Experimental Therapies: Such as monoclonal antibodies, such as Inmate and Ubangi, FDA-approved drugs for treating Ebola and other forms. Prevention, Means to avoid transmission of Ebola include: Avoidance of Contact: Avoid contact with infected humans and animals. Infection Control: Maintaining proper hygiene measures in hospitals. Vaccination: The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine has proved efficient in preventing Ebola, and there are efforts in using it in response to outbreaks.

Community Education: To the maximum extent possible, the community should be enlightened on Ebola by creating awareness over the mode of transmission and preventive measures especially in the outbreak-prone regions. Ebola viral infections are a serious threat to public health with high mortality rates.

It is only through early recognition, supportive care, and effective prevention strategies that outbreaks can be controlled and that the public's health protected.

Continued international research collaboration will contribute towards the development of effective treatments and vaccines to combat this deadly disease.