Health and Psychology

Ebola is one of several viruses that cause fever and spread infection from exposure to bodily fluids.  The problem is that the disease causes the bodily fluids to leak out from the body in the forms of hemorrhagic bleeding, vomitting, and diarrhea.  There are 4 classes of hemorrhagic fevers all are zoonotic-meaning the initial vector is an animal host.  Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fevers are four viruses that can be transmitted between people.  All are found in Africa.  The spread of the disease in Africa is the result of unsanitary conditions, limited access to adequate hygiene, and burial practices that include entire families and sometimes entire villages handling the bodies for burial.  To prevent the spread of disease the bodies need to be cremated.

Ebola requires close contact with a person or an animal infected with the virus or their bodily fluids.  Healthcare workers become infected when they fail to follow guidelines for removing protective gear, or fail to maintain CDC protocol infectious disease precautions.  These diseases are difficult to catch.  They are not airborne or water borne.  They are passed by contaminated body fluids and surfaces that have been in contact with those body fluids referred to as fomites.  

The concern is that these viruses have a long incubation period and many people do not realize they are ill.  There is also a concern that one of these viruses may mutate into a more easily transmittable form by droplet or airborne exposure.  That has not happened yet.  

People are not infectious until they start showing symptoms.  The earliest symptom is fever.  So that's the symptom that is being screened for in 5 airports that handle the most air traffic from the impacted countries.  Unfortunately, this is also the start of flu season and many people will show signs of fever related to the flu or even to a common cold.

There is no current treatment for Ebola.  The standard protocol is to provide supportive care and maintain kidney function and decrease the effects of malnutrition.  Experimental treatments include antivirals, and some experimental treatments based on antibodies produced by Ebola survivors. 

More than 4000 people have died from Ebola in parts of Africa.  There has been one case of Marburg.  Two people have been infected with Ebola in Dallas, Texas. One from Liberia who contracted it there.  One from a healthcare worker in direct contact with the first victim.

If the spread of the virus is not contained in Africa, then it will spread to countries outside of the region.  Historically, Ebola was in relatively small villages.  It has now moved to large metropolitan areas.  These areas will be adversely impacted if entire countries need to be quarantined. Troops are being sent in to help deal with the epidemic and to assist with containment.

Our office can provide medical information, treatment information and resources for any medical condition.  Feel free to contact us.