Ebola Flashcards
Why is the current Ebola outbreak different to previous Ebola outbreaks?
the geographic location of this outbreak - reaching beyond rural areas - has allowed the spread of the virus - the virus itself has not changed
What is the approximate case fatality rate?
70.9%
When was the first Ebola outbreak?
in the mid 70s
What type of virus is Ebola?
a filovirus - a single strand RNA virus with 4 strains
Does infection from Ebola produce antibodies?
yes - neutralising antibodies
What is the incubation period for Ebola?
2-21 days
What are the symptoms of Ebola?
fever, headache, muscle pains, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, maculopapular rash, and later haemorrhagic presentations (haemorrhagic rash)
Why are people dying of other causes e.g. malaria due to the Ebola outbreak?
if someone has a non specific flu like presentation they are minimising the tests done to limit exposure so are not testing for malaria so it can go untreated
What is the main diagnostic tool for Ebola?
PCR
What is the transmission of Ebola?
virus is found in most bodily fluid and is transmitted through contact- it does not persist on fomites and transmission only occurs during clinical illness
Which bodily fluid does Ebola persist for the longest in?
semen
What type of precaution is protective against Ebola?
universal precaution
What is the management for Ebola?
monitor fluid and electrolytes
What are some specific treatments for Ebola?
blood transfusion containing Ebola antibodies, Zmapp - a monoclonal antibody and SIR - a direct antiviral (has not been used in humans yet)
