EBOLA Virus

By: Unknown on 06:07

About:

• It’s called “Ebola” because first cases reported near Ebola River in Congo back in mid 70s.
• Ebola virus, causes hemorrhagic fever. Death rate upto 90%.
• Affects: humans, monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees.
• Symptoms: fever, gum-bleeding,nose-bleeding, red spots on body, blood in stool and vomit.
• Similar symptoms seen in malaria, cholera, typhoid etc. Hence need to perform ELISA test or other Antigen detection tests to confirm Ebola.

Causes of Ebola virus:

Causes of Ebola virus:

Spreads via	Doesn’t Spread via
Fruit bats considered to be natural hosts of this virus. Virus spread from wild animals like primates, bats, antelopes and porcupines to people. Then from people to people via blood and secretions. Even by physical contact with dead body! Even via semen / sexual intercourse- 7 weeks after recovery. Nations affected – Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria.	Doesn’t spread by Air-unlike flu (Stanford univ) Mosquito bite money, swimming pool, groceries Ebola easily killed by soap, bleach, sunlight or drying. (says PIB)

Ebola Treatment?:

• Several vaccines are being tested, but none are available for clinical use.
• WHO had allowed use of experimental drugs to save lives but it is not successful yet.
• World and UNICEF donated supplies worth million$.
• In India, the Tourist returning from the affected countries are being observed for symptoms and their blood is being tested. So far everyone is healthy.

Answer These Multiple choice questions:

Q1. Consider following statements:

1. Ebola virus got its name because of a river in Congo
2. Both sand flies and mosquitos are vectors of Ebola Virus.
3. Ebola can spread via sexual intercourse.

Answer choices

1. Only 1 and 2
2. Only 2 and 3
3. Only 1 and 3
4. None of them

Q2. Which of the following are vulnerable to Ebola virus

1. Humans
2. Gorillas
3. Chimpanzees

Answer choices:

1. Only 1 and 2
2. Only 2 and 3
3. Only 1 and 3
4. All of them

Comment your answers below.