Ebola Flashcards
What is Ebola virus disease (EVD)?
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe and often fatal illness in humans caused by the Ebola virus.
True or False: Ebola is primarily transmitted through airborne particles.
False: Ebola is primarily transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person or animal.
List three common symptoms of Ebola virus disease.
Fever, severe headache, and muscle pain.
What is the incubation period for Ebola virus disease?
The incubation period for Ebola virus disease is 2 to 21 days.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the primary mode of transmission for the Ebola virus.
direct contact with bodily fluids
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for healthcare workers treating Ebola patients?
Gloves, gowns, masks, and face shields.
True or False: Ebola can be transmitted through casual contact.
False: Ebola cannot be transmitted through casual contact.
What is the first step in the management of a suspected EVD case?
Isolate the patient and implement infection control measures.
Name one laboratory test used to diagnose Ebola.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
What is the recommended treatment for Ebola virus disease?
Supportive care, including hydration and symptomatic treatment.
True or False: There is a vaccine available for Ebola virus disease.
True: There is an FDA-approved vaccine for Ebola.
What should be done with the body of a deceased Ebola patient?
The body should be handled with strict infection control measures and buried safely.
What are common complications of Ebola virus disease?
Organ failure, septic shock, and bleeding.
What is the role of contact tracing in Ebola outbreaks?
To identify and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
Fill in the blank: Ebola virus can survive outside the body for __________ in certain conditions.
several hours to days
What type of virus is the Ebola virus?
Filovirus.
True or False: All Ebola viruses cause the same severity of disease.
False: Different species of Ebola virus can cause varying severity of disease.
What is the importance of community education in Ebola prevention?
To raise awareness and promote safe practices to reduce transmission.
List two key practices for preventing Ebola transmission in healthcare settings.
Proper use of PPE and strict adherence to infection control protocols.
What is the recommended action if a healthcare worker has a needle-stick injury while treating an Ebola patient?
Seek immediate medical evaluation and follow post-exposure protocols.
What are the primary reservoirs for the Ebola virus?
Fruit bats and nonhuman primates.
True or False: Survivors of Ebola can experience long-term health issues.
True: Survivors may experience post-Ebola syndrome.
What is the significance of the R0 value in Ebola outbreaks?
It indicates the average number of secondary infections produced by one infected individual.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is responsible for the overall response to Ebola outbreaks in the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
What is one of the key challenges in controlling Ebola outbreaks?
Cultural practices related to burial and caregiving.
What is the recommended duration for monitoring contacts of Ebola patients?
21 days.
True or False: Ebola can be transmitted through sexual contact after recovery.
True: Ebola can be transmitted through sexual contact for some time after recovery.
What are the two main categories of Ebola virus species?
Zaire ebolavirus and Sudan ebolavirus.
What is the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Ebola outbreaks?
To provide international support and coordinate response efforts.
What is a key preventive measure for healthcare workers in Ebola-affected areas?
Vaccination against Ebola virus.
Fill in the blank: Ebola outbreaks are often associated with __________ events.
wildlife exposure
What is the recommended approach for managing Ebola patients in healthcare settings?
Use of dedicated treatment units with strict infection control.
True or False: Ebola can be transmitted through food consumption.
False: Ebola is not transmitted through food.
What is the primary focus of Ebola prevention strategies?
To prevent transmission and outbreaks.
List two symptoms that may appear in the later stages of Ebola virus disease.
Bleeding and organ failure.
What should be done if a suspected Ebola case is identified?
Immediately notify public health authorities and implement isolation.
True or False: The Ebola virus can be eradicated completely.
False: Complete eradication is challenging due to animal reservoirs.
What is the significance of rapid case identification in Ebola outbreaks?
It helps to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
How do orthoebolaviruses enter the body?
Through mucous membranes, breaks in the skin, or parenterally.
What types of cells do orthoebolaviruses infect?
- Monocytes
- Macrophages
- Dendritic cells
- Endothelial cells
- Fibroblasts
- Hepatocytes
- Adrenal cortical cells
- Epithelial cells
What is the incubation period for orthoebolaviruses dependent on?
The infection route.
What is the first site of migration for orthoebolaviruses after entering the body?
Regional lymph nodes.
What happens to lymphocytes during the infection caused by orthoebolaviruses?
They undergo apoptosis, resulting in decreased lymphocyte counts.
What type of necrosis occurs in the liver due to orthoebolavirus infection?
Hepatocellular necrosis.
What are the consequences of hepatocellular necrosis?
Dysregulation of clotting factors and subsequent coagulopathy.
What is associated with adrenocortical necrosis?
Hypotension and impaired steroid synthesis.
What do ebolaviruses trigger the release of?
Pro-inflammatory cytokines.
What are the ultimate effects of vascular leaks and clotting impairment caused by ebolaviruses?
Multiorgan failure and shock.
What are the two FDA-approved treatments for Ebola disease?
- Inmazeb®
- Ebanga®
What is Inmazeb® composed of?
A combination of three monoclonal antibodies.
What is the function of monoclonal antibodies in Ebola treatment?
To stop the virus from replicating by binding to the glycoprotein.
What was the outcome of the randomized controlled trial for Inmazeb® and Ebanga®?
Higher overall survival for patients who received either treatment.
Has the efficacy of Inmazeb® and Ebanga® been established for viruses other than Ebola virus?
No.
What should clinical management of Ebola disease focus on?
Supportive care for complications.
What are some complications that may require supportive care?
- Hypovolemia
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Hematologic abnormalities
- Refractory shock
- Hypoxia
- Hemorrhage
- Septic shock
- Multiorgan failure
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
What is recommended for volume repletion in Ebola patients?
Large volumes of intravenous fluids.
What can cause dehydration in Ebola patients?
Diarrhea and vomiting.
What chronic complications can Ebola survivors experience?
Viral persistence of orthoebolavirus in their bodies.
What is the average time frame for Ebola symptoms to appear after exposure?
8 to 10 days
Symptoms may appear as early as 2 days and as late as 21 days after contact with the virus.
What are the ‘dry’ symptoms of Ebola disease?
- Fever
- Aches and pains in muscles and joints
- Severe headache
- Weakness and fatigue
- Sore throat
These symptoms can be confused with other infectious diseases.
Which diseases can be confused with Ebola disease due to similar early symptoms?
- Malaria
- Influenza (flu)
- Typhoid fever
- Meningococcal disease
- Other bacterial infections, like pneumonia
Early symptoms are generic and resemble those of many common illnesses.
What are the ‘wet’ symptoms that may develop after four to five days of illness?
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained bleeding
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
These symptoms indicate a progression of the illness.
What are some other symptoms of Ebola disease?
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Red eyes
- Skin rash
- Hiccups
- Seizures
These symptoms can vary greatly among patients.
What is a fact about patients who pass away from Ebola disease?
They usually develop more severe symptoms early in the illness.
Patients who survive may have a fever for several days.
What long-term complications may Ebola disease survivors experience?
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Muscle and joint pain
- Eye and vision problems
- Weight gain
- Stomach pain or loss of appetite
- Memory loss
- Neck swelling
- Dry mouth
- Tightness in the chest
- Hair loss
- Hearing problems
- Pain or tingling in hands and feet
- Inflammation of tissues around the heart
- Changes in menstruation
- Impotence
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
The severity and duration of these complications vary among survivors.
True or False: The timing and severity of complications among Ebola disease survivors are the same for all patients.
False
Complications can vary significantly among survivors.
