Ebola

Ebola (EVD or Viral Hemorrhagic Fever)

Filoviridae (or ebolavirus)

negative strand RNA virus, filamentous, enveloped, 19Kb genome with 7 genes, infect many cell types- immune, epithelial, fibroblasts, and liver cells, triggers coagulation cascades and blocks viral immune response

Bats, Non-human primates

Compromised skin or mucosa

Direct contact with contaminated body fluids

2-21 days (4-10 average)

Virus infects and/or damages many cells types including immune cells diminishing the bodies ability to clear infection. Increased vascular permeability and systemic blood clotting diminishes circulation and contributes to tissue death and hemorrhage

Dry symptoms (early)- fever (>100.4), headache, weakness, mylagia, fatigue, abdominal pain; Wet symptoms (later)- diarrhea, vomiting, UNexplained bleeding or bruising. Other later symptoms- red eyes, red maculopapular rash, hiccups

Relapse of infection, hemorrhage, tissue necrosis, organ failure, mortality- 25-90%

Avoid contact with infected animals, isolate infected individuals, barrier protectin, sterilize contaminated surfaces, Vaccine ervebo ~97% effective

Monoclonal antibodies (antibody therapy), intensive supportive care, vaccination, experimental antivirals