Dr. Chaltu Wakijra Oromo Community Organization Washington, D.C
April 4, 2015
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What is Ebola An infection that causes fever, body ache,
diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding A very serious infection and often
leads to death Caused by virus
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Background Ebola virus is divided into five species named after
the place it was initially caused outbreaks (Zaire, Sudan, Ivory
Coast, Bundibgyo, and Reston).
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Background Zaire Virus 1 st appeared in 1976 and caused
multiple large outbreaks in Central Africa, with mortality rates
ranging from 55 to 88 percent. This is the causative agent of the
West African epidemic of 2014. It was discovered in todays
Democratic Republic of Congo Later occurred in a village near the
Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name Ebola virus
causes an acute, serious illness which is often fatal if
untreated
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Background The Sudan virus has been associated with case
fatality rate of approximately 50% in 4 epidemics : Two in Sudan in
1970s, one in Uganda in 2000 and again in Sudan in 2004 The Ivory
coast virus has only been identified as the cause of illness in one
person and that individual survived. The exposure occurred when an
ethologist performed a necropsy on a chimpanzee found death in Tai
Forest where marked reduction in the great Ape had been observed.
The Bundibugyo virus emerged in Uganda in 2007, causing outbreak of
Ebola virus disease with a lower case-fatality rate of
approximately 30%. This virus is mostly related to the Ivory Coast
species. The Reston ebola virus was discovered when it caused an
outbreak in macaques imported to US in 1989. Three more outbreaks
occurred in nonhuman primates in quarantine facilities in US and
Europe. This is the only virus not found in Africa. Has not caused
disease in humans.
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Background Current outbreak in west Africa of 2014/2015 1 st
case confirmed by WHO in March 2014 from a two year old child who
developed fever, vomiting, and black stools in West African nation
of Guinea. The outbreak subsequently spread to Liberia, Seirra
Leone, Nigeria, Senegal and Mali. Largest and most complex since
the Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976 More cases and deaths
during this outbreak than all others combined As of March 22, 2015,
the number of probable, suspected and laboratory confirmed cases
attributed to Ebola Virus is 24, 907, including 10, 326
deaths.
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Outbreak Distribution, March 2015
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What are the symptoms of Ebola? At first the symptoms are like
those of the flu and it gets much worse It may lead to death if
untreated(sometimes even with supportive treatment) Symptoms
typically start 2 to 21 days after an exposure First symptoms may
include: Sudden fever, chills, and feeling sick Weakness Loss of
appetite Severe headache Body and back aches A few days after the
first symptoms start, other symptoms may develop Watery diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting Belly pain Rash Bleeding or bruising (e.g.
oozing from the gums, blood in the stools; may not happen to
everyone)
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How is Ebola Transmitted Initially Ebola is introduced into
human population through close contact with the blood, secretions,
organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as:
Chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelopes and
porcupines
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How is Ebola Transmitted Human-to-human transmission is via
direct contact through: Blood Infected people skin or other bodily
fluids Contaminated surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing,
medical equipment) Burial ceremonies in which mourners have direct
contact with the body of the deceased person( washing before burial
) According to WHO, the most Infectious body fluids are blood,
feces and vomit.
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How is Ebola treated? If a person is infected with Ebola virus,
the person would be admitted to a specialized hospital capable of
treating Ebola patients. The patient will be isolated and kept on
contact precautions usually in the hospital intensive care unit
(also called the ICU) Currently, there is no cure for ebola
infection, an infected person will only be able to get supportive
care fluids through a tube that goes into a vein (called and IV:)
medicine to support your blood pressure or treatments to help your
blood clot properly experimental treatments that have been given to
some patients and Antibodies from blood of a cured patient may be
given to infected patient
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When to see a doctor or nurse? If you have been exposed to
Ebola or have been to an area where many people are sick with Ebola
If you may have been exposed-even if you did not have direct
contact with someone with Ebola here is what you should do: Check
your temperature every day for 21 days Check yourself for any of
the Ebola symptoms listed above for 21 days If you think you have a
fever, or any symptoms of Ebola, call your doctor
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Can Ebola be prevented? You can reduce your chances of getting
Ebola by staying away from infected or sick people or who have had
contact with Ebola victims If you must be around people who are
sick with Ebola, contact your doctor and ask for guidance Cleared
virus from blood doesnt necessarily mean the virus has cleared from
the body(eg. Ebola virus was cultured from a patients urine 26 days
after the onset of symptoms., 9 days after blood tested negative.
In Uganda in 2000, the virus was detected in breast milk after it
was no longer detectable in blood. Two children who were breastfed
by infected but cured mothers died of the disease.
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How do I protect myself against Ebola Wash your hands
frequently or use an alcohol- abased hand sanitizer Avoid contact
with the blood and body fluids of infected person Do not handle
items that may have come in contact with an infected persons blood
or body fluids Do not touch the body of someone who has died from
Ebola
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How do I protect myself against Ebola Report any potential
unprotected Ebola exposure or illness promptly Seek medical care
immediately if you develop: fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain,
diarrhea, stomach pain, or unexplained bruising or bleeding If you
are in areas where Ebola is present, avoid contact with Bats,
monkeys, and non-human primates (chimpanzees or gorillas) Avoid
blood, fluids, or raw meat from these animals
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Where can I learn more? For more EVD information, visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/ http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/