Ebola Virus Infection

Ebola Virus Infection

The viruses i-e Ebola virus and Marburg virus, are related in that they cause haemorrhagic fevers. Infection of these virus is characterized by severe hemorrhage (bleeding), organ failure and usually ends in death.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• High grade fever
• Intense headache
• Chills
• Fatigue and weakness
• Joint pain
• Muscle aches
• Bloody diarrhea
• Raised rashes
• Red eyes
• Easy bruising
• Chest pain
• Severe cough
• Bleeding from eyes
• In later stages, bleeding from nose, ear and rectum

Causes

Ebola virus is native of Africa, being prevalent among African monkeys and other nonhuman primates. Marburg virus is also found in Africa, among monkeys, chimps and fruit bats. Transmission of these viruses from host animal to human occur through:

• Contact with infected animal blood
• Waste products
• The infection don’t become contagious until symptoms develop.

Complications:

Complications of Ebola virus and Marburg virus are:

• Multiple organ failure
• Serious bleeding
• Jaundice
• Delirium
• Shock
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of these virus is difficult on the basis of symptoms as it can mimic other diseases. Blood tests are used to quickly diagnose. Blood tests include: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Treatment

Anti-viral drugs can’t cure the infection. Supportive care is given to the patient to manage the symptoms:

• Providing plenty of fluids
• Supplement oxygen
• Blood transfusion
• Maintaining blood pressure
• Treating other on going infection.