Ebola:

Overview of the Disease:

Ebola, formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is an uncommon but often deadly disease. This disease was first discovered when two outbreaks happened simultaneously in 1976 with cases in Sudan and The Democratic Republic of Congo. (1, 2015)
It can affect non-human primates and also humans. Evidence suggests that fruit bats (Pteropodidae) may have been the Ebola virus source. (2, 2015) To date, there have been over 28,000 cases and over 11,000 deaths. (1, 2015) Since it was discovered, Ebola has had several outbreaks in Africa, but nothing of the scale of the current outbreak. More cases and deaths have occurred in the past 18 months than each previous outbreak combined.

Symptoms:
Usually symptoms appear …show more content…
The virus enters the body primarily through mucus membranes, such as the eyes, nose or through grazes and scrapes in the skin. (5, 2015)
When inside the body, the virus invades tissue cells. This is achieved through a protein called glycoprotein that protrudes from its membrane and latches on to receptors on the cell surface. As these receptors bind to the cell, a process is triggered called macropinocytosis, where the virus is engulfed by the cell membrane. The Ebola virus takes advantage of this non-specific process of nutrient-uptake. (4, 2015)
At this stage, the virus take over the cells proteins to create more copies of itself. Once these new viral particles have been constructed, they leave to infect new cells. By specifically targeting cells in the immune system (which travel all over the body) and liver cells (which affects the body’s ability to clear toxins from the bloodstream), Ebola has the power to increase the rate and area of infection very quickly. (4, …show more content…
This is the reason for sudden flu-like symptoms, which are the first signs of contracting the Ebola virus. (5, 2015)

Prevention:
One of the most important ways to avoid the spread of the virus is to avoid travel to and from areas known to be affected.
If one is in such area, by practising careful hygiene and avoiding contact with any bodily fluids, or belongings of an infected person will reduce the chances of contracting the disease. It is vital to isolate people who have been in contact with any infected person. One should avoid coming in contact with bats and non-human bats or any by-product of these animals. (2, 2015)
The risk of sexual transmission is also possible. Sexual abstinence is highly advised for at least three months after coming in contact with the virus. (1, 2015)
Healthcare workers who must be in the vicinity of people who have contracted the virus must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). They must also practice the correct sterilization procedures and control infection. (2, 2015)