Understanding the Ebola virus

We have this belief that everything around us is not so dangerous. That animals the most dangerous part of them is the fact that they can bite you. There are strains and viruses that can kill you and not really realize it. Ebola is a deadly virus found in animals and passed on to humans. We can easily contract this virus from an animal without realizing it. It is not as contagious as most people may think but is very infectious. The common cold or measles are more likely to be contracted than the Ebola virus. As of 2014 we have had one of the largest outbreaks so far in recorded history. Research says that the virus mainly came from the handling of monkeys or chimpanzee’s. The Ebola virus was originally locates in Africa. In the United States there were only 4 cases found and 1 death reported. Liberia has the most recorded death rate @ 4,809. Sierra Leone has had the most recorded outbreak in history with numbers as high as 14,124 on record.

Some say that the US government had something to do with the outbreak. Nothing is concrete as of yet. We are easily exposed to the virus because we deal with animals all the time. It can be transmitted from animal to human through bodily fluids and or blood secretion. Because so many animals are coming from other countries we cannot determine what animal may or may not be carrying the virus. There is another agency that is invoved as well as the CDC. They are called the WHO (The World Health Organization).Â If Ebola is detected in a person the CDC will be contacted immediately. They may ask if you have traveled out of the country in the last 3 months and have been in contact with any animals. Personal information also may be asked as far as your sex life in the last three months. Ebola can be transmitted through sexual intercourse if you have the virus.

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You may not know if you have the virus because the symptoms are more like flu symptoms. It may take anywhere from 8-10 days after exposure for anything to appear. In some cases it has been detected as early as 2 days. The virus may last as long as twenty one days. Some symptoms may appear as simple as a headache, muscle pain, vomiting and even being tired. These symptoms may be mistaken for malaria.

Ebola can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. The blood test will detect low platelets, elevated liver enzymes, and low and high white blood cell count if there is any detection of the Ebola virus. If there is any detection, a person would undergo isolation. This is where a person would be in a room that can be monitored closely until the virus is controlled. It is said for all workers to wear gowns, eye wear, mask, and all PPE available to you to reduce risk of exposure. The recovery time is at seven to fourteen days after exposure. The timeline for the a person who is not going to recover would be between six and sixteen days. There will be no signs of a person getting any better. The symptoms will get worse.

There is no known cure or vaccination for the Ebola virus. If treated the virus may be controlled with medication to maintain blood pressure. A person may be given extra oxygen or iv fluids to keep you hydrated. There were two American missionaries that became infected and were given an experimental drug called ZMapp which seems to have worked. It has been said that chlorine, disinfectant, soap, and even detergents may kill the virus. As of today the virus is not known to be airborne. It can only be transmitted through direct fluids. There are many more experimental drugs but are very costly to bring forth. There are four strains of the Ebola virus that can be transmitted into humans. The best way for you not to get the virus is not to travel in any of the areas where the virus is located.

References

Lightsey, Ross F. “Fighting Ebola: an interagency collaboration paradigm.” Joint Force Quarterly, Apr. 2016, p. 62+. Academic OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&u=lirn92264&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA456758336&it=r&asid=282ffbb92ee8f927f987f7995b4aea43. Accessed 28 Mar. 2017.

Bray M. Diagnosis and treatment of Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fever. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Acces

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