WHAT IS EBOLA VIRUS?

Ebola disease, also called Ebola hemorrhagic fever or Ebola fever, is a rear and often fatal illness that humans and non humans, primates (such as monkeys and gorillas) can contract. There have been several outbreaks of Ebola fever in Africa. TYPES OF EBOLA VIRUS: THERE ARE FIVE TYPES OF EBOLA VIRUS. 1. EBOLA -ZAIRE, 2, EBOLA - SUDAN, 3, EBOLA -IVORY COAST , 4, EBOLA -BUNDIBUGYO AND THE LAST ONE 5, IS EBOLA RESTON. All of the above are found in Africa, except Ebola Reston Virus which is found in the Philippines. CAUSES OF EBOLA: One can get Ebola virus through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected animal or human. These include blood, saliva, semen, vomit, urine or feces. According to the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, one can also get the virus by handling a sick or dead person or animal that has been infected with Ebola (WHO, 2007) WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF EBOLA FEVER? If you are exposed to any of the African forms of Ebola virus, you will begin to display symptoms within 2 to 21 days following exposure. The onset is rapid and the initial symptoms resemble those of a common flu infection FEVER, HEADACHE, SORE THROAT, JOINT AND MUSCLE SORENESS, AND WEAKNESS. As the Ebola fever progresses, the symptoms become more severe late -stage symptoms of Ebola virus may include VOMITING , DIARRHEA, REDNESS IN THE EYES , SWELLING OF THE GENITALS, INTERNAL BLEEDING ( SOME PATIENTS MAY HAVE BLOOD COMING FROM THEIR NOSE, EYES, EARS MOUTH AND RECTUMS AND BLEEDING RASH OVER THE ENTIRE BODY. . HOW IS EBOLA FEVER DIAGNOSED? Ebola fever is diagnosed using blood tests to detect the Ebola virus in your blood. Your Doctor may test you for the virus if you have symptoms of Ebola fever and if you have been recently been exposed to it. . HOW IS EBOLA FEVER TREATED? At present, there is no cure for Ebola fever. The only available treatment is meant to help to ease your symptoms. These are OXYGEN THERAPY, INTRAVENOUS FLUIDS, BLOOD TRANSFUSSIONS, and MEDICATION TO TREAT SHOCK AND PAIN MEDICATIONS. . GETTING HELP: Call your Doctor right away if you develop symptoms of Ebola fever or been exposed to it. The earlier you receive treatment the better your chances will be for survival. . HOW CAN EBOLA FEVER BE PREVENTED? You can lower your risks of becoming affected with the Ebola virus by avoiding exposure to areas of Ebola virus. Avoid handling live or dead wild animals or someone who has the symptoms of Ebola fever Colburn is Sierra Leonean national and medical practitioner in the United States of America.