Ebola: Unraveling its Mysteries
Ebola is an extremely infectious, deadly virus that causes the disease. In 1976, the disease was first detected in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo. The disease, named after the Ebola river, which was the site of one of the first outbreaks, has claimed thousands of victims, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. The article explains what Ebola, its symptoms, causes, treatment, opinions of experts, and prevention measures are.
Understand Ebola with Facts and Figures
Ebola, a serious and sometimes fatal disease in humans, has an average fatality rate around 50% . During past outbreaks the mortality rates varied between 25% and 90%. Since its discovery in 1976, the World Health Organization has reported over 30 Ebola outbreaks. The largest occurred between 2014 and 2016 in West Africa and caused more than 11000 deaths.
The symptoms of this disease include a sudden onset fever, sore throat and muscle pain. Other symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea and rashes, as well as impaired liver and kidney function.
Common Causes of Ebola
Ebola occurs when a virus belonging to the family Filoviridae, Genus Ebolavirus, is infected. This virus has five species, of which four can be harmful to humans. This virus spreads to humans through contact with infected people's blood, bodily fluids, or secretions.
These are the most common ways that Ebola is transmitted:
- Contact with blood or bodily fluids from a sick or deceased Ebola patient.
- Objects contaminated by body fluids from a patient who has Ebola or died of it.
- Fruit bats infected or non-human primate.
Ebola Treatments
Ebola has no known treatment. There are many potential treatment options being tested, including immune therapy, drug therapies, and blood products. These are some of the most common treatments:
- Provide intravenous fluids and balance electrolytes in order to fight dehydration.
- Maintaining blood pressure and oxygen levels.
- Treatment of other infections that may occur.
- The rVSV ZEBOV, which is effective at preventing Ebola, has also been tested as a new experimental Ebola vaccine and treatment.
Expert opinions on Ebola
Early supportive care, including rehydration with symptoms treated and early treatment of the infection are recommended by experts. Early supportive care is the key to survival for Ebola, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. You can increase the chances of a patient's survival by keeping their body healthy while they fight off Ebola.
Prevention and Natural Remedies
Although there is no natural cure for Ebola known, preventive measures are crucial in controlling its spread. They include:
- Avoid areas where outbreaks are known.
- When soap and water is not available, wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Avoiding bush meat.
- Contact with people infected should be avoided.
Ebola, a deadly and highly contagious disease, continues to pose a threat, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The high mortality rate of Ebola makes it vital that individuals understand the disease's causes, treatments and prevention techniques. We can stop this deadly disease from spreading by staying informed, and by following the recommended preventative measures.
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