Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever

Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever

Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Ebola HF) is a severe, often-fatal disease in humans

and nonhuman primates (monkeys and chimpanzees) that has appeared

sporadically since its initial recognition in 1976.

The disease is caused by infection with Ebola virus, named after a river in

the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) in Africa, where it was

first recognized. The virus is one of two members of a family of RNA viruses

called the Filoviridae. Three of the four subtypes of Ebola virus identified

so far have caused disease in humans: Ebola-Zaire, Ebola-Sudan, and

Ebola-Ivory Coast. The fourth, Ebola-Reston, has caused disease in nonhuman

primates, but not in humans.

Where is Ebola virus found in nature?

The exact origin, locations, and natural habitat (known as the

"natural reservoir") of Ebola virus remain unknown. However, on the basis

of available evidence and the nature of similar viruses, researchers believe that

the virus is zoonotic (animal-borne) and is normally maintained in an animal host

that is native to the African continent. A similar host is probably

associated with the Ebola-Reston virus subtype isolated from infected

cynomolgous monkeys that were imported to the United States and Italy from

the Philippines. The virus is not known to be native to other continents, such as North America.

Where do cases of Ebola hemorrhagic fever occur?

Confirmed cases of Ebola HF have been reported in the Democratic Republic of

the Congo, Gabon, Sudan, and the Ivory Coast. An individual with

serologic evidence of infection but showing no apparent illness has been

reported in Liberia, and a laboratory worker in England became ill as a result

of an accident...

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... VHF is diagnosed in the facility. A similarly practical

diagnostic test that uses tiny samples from patients’ skin has been

developed to retrospectively diagnose Ebola HF in suspected case-patients who have died.

What challenges remain for the control and prevention of Ebola hemorrhagic fever?

Scientists and researchers are faced with the challenges of developing

additional diagnostic tools to assist in early diagnosis of the disease and

ecological investigations of Ebola virus and the disease it causes. In

addition, one of the research goals is to monitor suspected areas to

determine the incidence of the disease. More extensive knowledge of the

natural reservoir of Ebola virus and how the virus is spread must be acquired

to prevent future outbreaks effectively.

Bibliography:

Center For Disease Control Center

World Book 2000