Some information about EBOLA. Now that we have a case in Dallas, and he may have passed through Houston airport, I think it is important to know the following information. Lets hope this is all of Ebola that crosses into our country. Ebola is a rare but deadly virus that causes bleeding inside and outside the body. As the virus spreads through the body, it damages the immune system and organs. Ultimately, it causes levels of blood-clotting cells to drop. This leads to severe, uncontrollable bleeding. The disease, also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever or Ebola virus, kills up to 90% of people who are infected. Signs and Symptoms of Ebola About four to six days after a person becomes infected with the Ebola virus, signs and symptoms will start to develop. Fever, stomach pain, vomiting, and a dry, hacking cough are common. Other indications include such things as a rash, red eyes, and internal and external bleeding. The Ebola virus is typically spread when uninfected people come into direct contact with an infected person or his or her secretions or blood. This is common in hospitals during outbreaks. In a primate research facility in Virginia, the spread of a subtype of the Ebola virus from monkey to monkey appeared to have occurred through the air. No specific vaccine or medicine (e.g., antiviral drug) has been proven to be effective against Ebola. Symptoms of Ebola are treated as they appear. The following basic interventions, when used early, can significantly improve the chances of survival: Providing intravenous fluids (IV)and balancing electrolytes (body salts)Maintaining oxygen status and blood pressureTreating other infections if they occur Some experimental treatments developed for Ebola have been tested and proven effective in animals but have not yet been tested in randomized trials in humans. Recovery from Ebola depends on the patient’s immune response. People who recover from Ebola infection develop antibodies that last for at least 10 years, possibly longer.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 22:08:19 +0000