In the same way that last week we knew in depth what ALS was, this week we want to share with you a basic guide to know what is Ebola disease, what is its origin, its symptoms and how we can prevent it.
Ebola is not a new disease, the virus was first detected in 1976 during a deadly epidemic. Two simultaneous Ebola outbreaks occurred without warning in two different cities, one in Sudan and the other in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The second village, Zaire, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is located on the Ebola River, for this reason the disease receives this name.
What is Ebola?
Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease that causes hemorrhagic fever in humans and primates. It is a very serious disease and requires measures to prevent it from becoming an epidemic. The Ebola virus starts from another virus called Filoviriadae.
As if it weren't enough, this disease has variants of the same, up to five serotypes of the virus, of which they are: Ebola from Zaire, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Bundibugyo and Ebola from Reston. The latter causes more diseases in the primate environment than in humans.
Ebola transmission
The Ebola virus is very contagious and it is transmitted very easily that is why the security measures that must be followed are very strict, since the spread of the virus can be fatal to create a new epidemic.
Thanks to its high mortality rate, this virus is considered one of the most infectious, for how quickly it causes death and the remotely remote areas where these infections occur.
Transmission that usually occurs occurs through contact with a living or non-living infected host animal with another healthy animal. The most common are usually monkeys, bats and antelope. Human-to-human transmission occurs through contact with blood, secretions, tissues, and body fluids of an infected subject. As well as for a small mistake with the contaminated medical material, therefore, it is very important to follow the security protocols so that it does not expand.
It must also be taken into account in the nosocomial transmission, that is, the one that is carried out within the same health center or hospital. On the African continent, it has happened many times that sick patients are cared for without masks, gowns or gloves.
Must take into account
This disease has a high mortality rate, we are talking about 90%, so it is necessary to know it well and activate protocols to act against it. Some important data are:
- Since the disease was first detected, there have been more than twenty outbreaks and isolated cases. In some of these outbreaks the mortality rate reached over 90%.
- Ebola can stay active in semen: WHO stated that men recovered from the disease can still transmit it through their semen for up to seven weeks after recovering.
Ebola virus symptoms
Today the same series of symptoms are present
- Fever
- Strong weakness
- Muscle pains
- Headache and sore throat
After these symptoms appear
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rashes
- Renal problems
- And sometimes internal and external bleeding.
If someone exhibits these symptoms, they should immediately go to the doctor and, if possible, avoid all kinds of contact with those around you, so as not to spread the disease further.
Ebola detection
The incubation period of the virus it has been stipulated between two and twenty-one days after the first contact. It is very similar to other series of diseases and the only way to diagnose it is through a medical analysis that is studied by a laboratory.
Maximum prevention and treatment to follow
Unfortunately, there is no cure or a vaccine on the market that fights and eliminates the Ebola virus, so hopes remain in testing several vaccines, thus being an almost experimental treatment. There is no specific treatment to end all symptoms of the disease, the most recommended is oral hydration with electrolyte solutions or intravenous fluids.
It is a very serious illness and we have to know at least the symptoms to be able to detect it in time tomorrow. It is true that it is found mainly on the African continent But that does not mean that it cannot be expanded to other continents and countries.