Free Essay

Ebola Virus

In:

Submitted By waidi
Words 1929
Pages 8
EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA: AN APPRAISAL

INTRODUCTION 1. Governments worldwide desire an epidemic free and healthy nation. The outbreak of the highly contagious Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) with fatality rate of up to 90 per cent could become an epidemic if not contained. It is a serious concern to governments since it threatens the health and Well-being of the Citizens (WC) and invariably the National Security (NS) of countries. 2. In the United States of America (USA), the infection of 2 missionaries with EVD while working in Liberia, prompted President Obama to stress that EVD is a threat to the NS of USA. The current EVD outbreak in West Africa has reached an epidemic level and has spread across Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. By 25 Oct 14, World Health Organization (WHO) reported 10,141 cases. The fatalities have negative effect on human resource and businesses, restrict movement and cause general panic thereby affecting the NS of these countries. 3. In Nigeria, there were confirmed cases of EVD in Lagos and Rivers States. The Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) efforts at isolating, treating and monitoring EVD cases led to its containment and thereby made WHO to declare Nigeria EVD free on 20 Oct 14. Despite these efforts, EVD could re-occur as seen in other countries and could threaten NS of Nigeria. The purpose of this paper therefore is to discuss EVD as it affects NS in Nigeria. The paper will cover conceptual definition, overview, issues, implications, challenges and prospects of EVD and NS in Nigeria. Thereafter, strategies to mitigate the challenges of EVD and NS would be proffered. The paper will cover Jul to Oct 14, being the period when EVD was recorded in Nigeria.
AIM
4. The aim of this paper is to appraise EVD and NS in Nigeria with a view to making recommendations.
CONCEPTUAL DEFINITION 5. The 2 key variables in this paper are EVD and NS which are the independent and dependent variables respectively. These variables will be conceptualized and their relationship established. 6. Ebola Virus Disease. Ekhomu defines EVD as an extremely contagious filovirus causing acute, usually fatal haemorrhagic fever and contacted through body fluids of infected persons. This definition captures the contagious and fatal nature of EVD and its threat to the WC. It is therefore suitable and adopted for this paper. 7. National Security. Imobighe defines NS as freedom from danger or threat to a nation’s ability to defend and develop itself, promote core values and national interest as well as enhance the WC. This definition considers both the WC and development that are requirements of NS. It is therefore suitable and adopted for the study. 8. Relationship between Ebola Virus Disease and National Security. The EVD is a contagious and fatal disease while NS involves development and WC. The spread of EVD leads to fatalities and affects the WC thereby impinging on NS. Conversely, if EVD is contained, fatalities will reduce, the WC and development would be ensured, thereby improving NS. There is therefore an inverse relationship between EVD and NS.
OVERVIEW OF EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

9. The index EVD case in Nigeria was that of a Liberian, Mr Patrick Sawyer on 20 Jul 14. After this case, 19 other EVD cases and 7 fatalities were recorded in Nigeria. Details of EVD cases in West Africa and Nigeria are at Appendices 1 and 2 respectively. In order to contain the EVD, the FGN established 2 Emergency Operating Centres (EOC) at Lagos and Port Harcourt. This was based on an ad hoc arrangement as there was no existing Policy Framework (PF) for effective management of EVD. One of the casualties was the doctor that treated Mr Sawyer as she, like many other health workers, was not skilled in the management of EVD cases. Inadequate Medical Equipment and Facilities (MEF) for protection and treatment of victims also made the health workers vulnerable. This has brought to the fore some issues that are discussed subsequently.
ISSUES INVOLVED IN EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

10. The issues involved in EVD and NS in Nigeria include PF, Skilled
Manpower (SM) and MEF. These issues are discussed subsequently. 11. Policy Framework. The National Policy for Infection Prevention and Control (NPIPC) is designed to provide guidelines for the containment of any disease outbreak in Nigeria. However, according to Dr Oyemakinde, the Absence of EVD (AEVD) in the NPIPC makes it inadequate. Policy framework is therefore a factor in EVD and NS in Nigeria. 12. Skilled Manpower. Skilled manpower is critical in EVD and NS in Nigeria. According to Prof Ogu, adequate SM in the specialized field of EVD is required in hospitals to prevent re-occurrence. As at Jul 14, only 19 out of the 35,000 medical doctors were trained on EVD in Nigeria. This was grossly inadequate. Skilled manpower is therefore a factor in EVD and NS in Nigeria.
14. Medical Equipment and Facilities. Medical equipment and facilities is an issue in EVD and NS in Nigeria. According to Dr Balewa, items like protective equipment and isolation centres are Inadequate MEF (IMEF). Only about 3 per cent of the requirements are available, though thermo-scanners and sanitizers are readily available. Details of MEF status in Nigeria are at Appendix 3. Thus, MEF is a factor in EVD and NS in Nigeria. Despite the issues discussed, there are implications of EVD on NS in Nigeria.
IMPLICATIONS OF EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE ON NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

15. The implications of EVD on NS in Nigeria include WC and economic development. These implications are discussed subsequently.
16. Well-Being of Citizens. The WC is a measure of NS of a country.
The EVD threatens health and physical WC, causes death and creates panic. According to Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), EVD caused 40 per cent fatality and postponement of schools resumption date by 6 weeks. The EVD therefore has a negative implication on the WC and by extension NS of Nigeria.
17. Economic Development. Economic development is an index of NS. Since the outbreak of EVD, Nigeria has lost about $2b in aviation and tourism industries. The EVD has therefore impacted negatively on development and NS in Nigeria. The implications highlighted underscore the need to discuss the challenges against the containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria.
CHALLENGES MILITATING AGAINST THE CONTAINMENT OF EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

18. The challenges militating against continued containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria include Absence of EVD (AEVD) in NPIPC, inadequate SM and IMEF. These challenges are discussed subsequently.
19. Absence of Ebola Virus Disease in National Policy for Infection Prevention and Control. The AEVD in the NPIPC is a challenge to EVD and

NS in Nigeria. Despite the high contagious and fatality rate of EVD, the NPIPC does not contain operating guidelines for handling of EVD cases, training of SM and Adequate MEF (AMEF) acquisition. The AEVD in NPIPC is therefore an impediment to continued containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria.
20. Inadequate Skilled Manpower. Inadequate SM is a challenge in the continued containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria. Only 277 or 0.001 per cent of Nigeria’s health workers have been trained on EVD on ad hoc basis. This number is grossly inadequate. Inadequate SM is therefore an impediment to the continued containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria.
21. Inadequate Medical Equipment and Facilities. The IMEF is a challenge to EVD and NS. There are only 3 functional EVD laboratories against recommended minimum of 3 for each geo-political zone. Therefore, IMEF is a hindrance to the continued containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria. Despite these challenges, there are prospects for continued containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria.
PROSPECTS FOR CONTINUED CONTAINMENT OF EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE FOR ENHANCED NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

22. The prospects for continued containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria include the establishment of State Ebola Committees (SEC) as well as Special Grants and Donations (SGD). The prospects are discussed subsequently.
23. Establishment of State Ebola Committees. The establishment of SEC in all the states in Nigeria towards the containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria is a good prospect. The SEC will continue to sensitize and organize training for stakeholders and if well funded, holds good prospects towards the continued containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria.
24. Special Grants and Donations. The SGD of FGN, individuals and

organizations to assist states affected by EVD is a good development. Details of SGD are at Appendix 4. The SGD, if sustained holds good prospect for continued containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria. Notwithstanding the prospects, there are strategies to mitigate the challenges against the containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria.
STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE THE CHALLENGES TO EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE FOR ENHANCED NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

25. The strategies for the continued containment of EVD for enhanced NS in Nigeria include; promulgation of National Policy on EVD (NPEVD), specialized training on EVD, and procuring AMEF.
26. Promulgation of National Policy on EVD. Promulgation of NPEVD would address the challenge of AEVD in the NPIPC. The FMoH could use existing resource to lobby the National Assembly (NASS) to promulgate new NPEVD by Second Quarter 2015.
27. Specialized Training on EVD. The challenge of inadequate SM would be addressed by conducting specialized training on EVD to provide better advocacy and special handling and treatment of EVD cases. FGN could use a special budget and collaboration with international partners to train at least 5 per cent of Nigeria’s health workers by First Quarter 2015.
28. Procuring Adequate Medical Equipment Facilities. Procuring AMEF would address the challenge of IMEF. Procurement of AMEF will allow early detection and treatment of EVD. The FGN could use special budgetary allocation for the procurement for hospitals in Nigeria. This could commence by Second Quarter of 2015. The implementation plan of the strategies and activity timeline are at Appendices 5 and 6 respectively.
CONCLUSION
29. The EVD is a contagious disease that has caused panics and deaths in Nigeria thereby impinging on Nigeria’s NS. The issues of PF, the need for SM and MEF were raised and challenges of AEVD in the NPIPC, inadequate SM and IMEF identified. The implications highlighted were on the WC and economic development while SEC and SGD were prospects that could be leveraged upon.
30. The strategies to mitigate the identified challenges are the promulgation of NPEVD by Second Quarter 2015, conduct specialized training on EVD for 5 per cent of the Nigeria’s health workers from First Quarter 2015 and the procurement of AMEF for hospitals in Nigeria by Second Quarter 2015.
RECOMMENDATIONS
31. It is recommended that: a. FMoH through the NASS should promulgate NPEVD by Second
Quarter 2015. b. FGN should collaborate with other international partners to train at least 5 per cent of Nigeria’s health workers by First Quarter 2015. c. The FGN should procure AMEF for hospitals in Nigeria by Second Quarter of 2015.

Appendices:
1. Details of Ebola Virus Disease Cases in West Africa.
2. Details of Ebola Virus Disease Cases in Nigeria.
3. Detail of Medical Equipment and Facilities Status in Nigeria.
4. Details of Special Grants and Donations Towards Ebola Virus Disease Containment in Nigeria.
5. Implementation Plan of Strategies to Enhance Continued Containment of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.
6. Activity Timeline for the Strategies to Enhance Continued Containment of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Ebola Virus

...Anatomy and Physiology II 25 April 2013 Ebola According to Aubrey Stimola, author of Ebola, it all started in the town of Yambuku, Zaire, which is now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. A two week trip to a northern, African jungle had led forty-four year old Mabalo Lokela. All of a sudden, he began experiencing a headache. He stopped by a mission hospital, which was run by nuns. After examining him, they concluded it to be malaria, gave him a quinine injection with one of their five needles, and sent him on his way. Two days later, another man came in with bizarre symptoms, including diarrhea and a heavily bleeding nose, which no amount of anti-biotic would cure. Little did the nuns know, this was the start of a viral epidemic (Stimola 22). Unfortunately for Mabalo, he was the index case for the Ebola Zaire Hemorrhagic Fever (Stimola 27). Since its discovery in 1976, the medical world has been trying to discover what the natural reservoir of this virus is. Some research, reported by Baylor College of Medicine (DMVM,) states that Ebola naturally occurs in fruit bats. In some cases, the three species of bats showed no symptoms of the fever (DMVM). This would, in turn, cause it to become the perfect reservoir for the virus. Incubation of the virus happens within 2-21 days. Initial symptoms of the virus are simple, and seemingly non-life threatening; a mild headache and high fever accompanied by nausea and vomiting cause it to be mistaken for malaria. ...

Words: 1126 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Ebola Virus

...The Ebola Virus Kimberly A. Murphy SC246- Unit 7 Assignment January 6, 2015 Professor Robert Black The Ebola Virus The Ebola virus which was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in Africa is a deadly and rare disease that is caused by an infection of one of any of the five known strains of the Ebola virus. The genus Ebolavirus belongs in the family Filoviridae, a group of several related viruses that form virions also known as filamentous infectious viral particles and encode their genome in a single stranded RNA. Filoviruses are the viruses responsible for causing viral hemorrhagic fevers. Symptoms of a viral hemorrhagic fever begin with fever and muscle aches. Four of these ebolavirus strains can cause the disease in humans and all five can cause disease in primates such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and monkeys (CDC, 2014). The strains have been named for the areas in Africa where they have been found and are as follows: Budibugyo ebolavirus, Reston ebolavirus, Sudan ebolavirus, Tai Forest ebolavirus, and the Zaire ebolavirus (WHO, 2014). The Zaire strain has the highest mortality rate and has been the cause of the most outbreaks. The Reston strain has been linked to causing EBV in other primates. Scientists believe the original virus originated from the African fruit bat. The Ebola virus is spread by direct contact with the bodily fluids or blood of an individual infected with the virus. Bodily fluids can include; blood, sweat, urine, saliva, and semen. The...

Words: 1300 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Ebola Virus

...more popular than it someday and here I am now. This time recently, I attacked in Western Africa , remember my plan? I just continue it and guess what ? 15,400 are reported infected and 5,100 killed. I am now so powerful . Lately people do anything just to ignore me, but don’t they see that they’re the only one making way to let me in into their weak body? Now, they’re trying to kill me . but that’s a do or die game. Injecting what so ever medicines and liquids around their body with me let me do job more hard but I still have to try that’s why it results in their internal bleeding also some of my branches are transmitted through their bodily fluids like saliva, teardrops ,vomit and others. Honestly, I may just be a virus for them but I also have feelings , feelings cannot be understood by them .They do not believe to it ‘couz they’re not like me. Its just kind of abuse, abuse that neither rich or poor people do. Something that will remind them right now how hard it is to be poor. Not in material things but environmental and habitat. I might not be with them right now if they’re just like their foster-father of early days. They’re trying their best to kill me. The copies of fluid samples in laboratories, chemicals packed in medicines, formulas of what they are doing keeps them busy while me having such a hard time of enjoying what they’re doing is. Maybe I just have to continue my legacy and do watching how the body systems of the person where...

Words: 422 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

The Ebola Virus

...The Ebola Virus 10 out of 10 people infected with it will die with die with it. It is airborne. It is 100 times more contagious than AIDS. It has no known origin, vaccination or cure. It kills you in such a way that even highly trained professionals get sick from just hearing about the effects. It is real and it has started its attack on the human race. Mrs. Landau and fellow classmates. The symptoms I have just described to you are real. These are symptoms to a real and fatal virus. The virus's name is Ebola and it has started its burn into our society. Like the AIDS virus, nothing really is known about it except its effect on people. Like the AIDS virus, there is no cure, treatment or vaccination. Unlike the AIDS virus which can take up to 8 to 10 years to kill you, this virus can take as little as to 8 to 10 hours to result fatally. It starts off with a fever and symptoms of the flu. Then the muscles in your face stop moving freezing your face into a mask. Just before death, you start to bleed from every opening in your body starting from your nose and mouth to your gums. Your internal organs liquefy and you vomit them up. In reality, the virus has attempted to turn its host into a virus. You are dead before you have even started to show signs of this virus. It is believed that it is some sort of mutated form of AIDS because it started in the original spot as AIDS did, Kinshasa and moved along the highway ripping its way through Northern Africa....

Words: 464 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The Ebola Virus Disease

...Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare, deadly, viral and often-fatal infection. It is caused by infection with a virus of the family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus, by one of the five strains of the Ebola virus. The five Ebola virus species, four of which are known to cause disease in humans: Ebola virus, Sudan virus, Taï Forest virus, and Bundibugyo virus. The fifth, Reston virus, has caused disease in nonhuman primates, but not in humans. Ebola was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa. Researchers believe that "the virus is animal-borne and that bats are the most likely reservoir", however, the natural reservoir host of Ebola...

Words: 377 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Ebola Virus In Wes Africa

...Ebola Virus In, Guinea on March 10,2014 hospitals and public health service alerted “Ministry of Health”. Guinea medical response was alerted to a disease characterized by fever, severe diarrhea, vomiting and a high fatality rate. The disease was spread from small town of Guinea to West Africa, which resulted in major outbreak in African continent. The outbreak is caused by genus Ebola virus, with cases fatality rate of 30 to 90 percent. Ebola virus is an aggressive pathogen that causes hemorrhagic fever syndrome in human and non-human primates. The virus originally has been identified during an “outbreak in Zaire in 1976 near the river Ebola were it got its name”(Sullivan, Yang and Nabel, 2003). Normally, the Ebola virus progress infection...

Words: 1033 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Ebola Virus Disease

...Ebola virus disease Key facts * Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. * The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission. * The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks. * The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests, but the most recent outbreak in west Africa has involved major urban as well as rural areas. * Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe burials and social mobilisation. * Early supportive care with rehydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralise the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development. * There are currently no licensed Ebola vaccines but 2 potential candidates are undergoing evaluation. Background The Ebola virus causes an acute, serious illness which is often fatal if untreated. Ebola virus disease (EVD) first appeared in 1976 in 2 simultaneous outbreaks, one in Nzara, Sudan, and the other in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo. The latter occurred in a village near...

Words: 2440 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Ebola Virus Epidemic Analysis

...2013 and 2016, West Africa was plagued by an Ebola virus epidemic that resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, on top of damaging the region’s economy to near-crippling levels (World Health Organization 2018). The outbreak began in the areas of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, with the first documented incident occurring in December of 2013 (World Health Organization 2018). The disease was extremely dangerous, with a fatality rate of just under 60% for hospitalized patients, and above 70% in cases where the individual was not hospitalized (World Health Organization 2018). The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and did not revoke this until March...

Words: 1263 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Ebola Virus Disease Research Proposal

...Research Proposal on Ebola Virus Disease Arvaya Y. Corbins Bryant & Stratton College Research and Writing III 11/17/2014 Abstract America may not be totally prepared for what the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is currently encountering. The author examines the pandemic of diseases such as Ebola, Enterovirus, and MRSA suggesting possible ways of containment to prevent further spreading in hospitals, as well as proper diagnosis, and handling. This information was obtained through interviews with the Infection Prevention Director of Columbia St. Mary’s via Fox 6 News. Information was also obtained, evaluated, and studied from media outlets such as the Journal Sentinel, research website, Center for Disease Control and Prevention and an Ebola symposium. Lastly, the author expresses the importance of clear and concise communication between all Administration and Staff at Columbia St. Mary’s. This communication stems anywhere from clear and plain signage on doors, and entry ways of Emergency Departments, Urgent Care facilities, and Physicians’ offices. This signage communication will help an individual detect any flu like symptoms associated with the Ebola virus disease (EVD), so the proper steps can be taken immediately to isolate the disease itself. Introduction This research proposal is intended to make clear to the reader the signs, symptoms, and severity of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). In addition to this, incorporating...

Words: 2058 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

The Ebola Virus Spreading In Africa

...To illustrate, a speaker wants to talk about the Ebola Virus spreading in Africa. The speaker should choose words that have a powerful meaning to make the speech more meaningful, like describing the symptoms of the Ebola Virus and why it is important for individuals to be aware of the virus. If the speaker wants to talk about the best tourist attraction, like Paris, then the speaker should use strong descriptive words to bring the place alive within the speech, like describing the scenery. The types of words still play a role and makes the speech more engaging with the audience. If the audience are business people, then formal language should be used to be presented in a professional manner. Informal language can be used when speaking to people who are close to you, like family and friends. Word choice in a speech makes the speech more...

Words: 731 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Argument Against The Ebola Virus

...Throughout the world, a new virus struck a country causing the spread of the disease. Ebola is an upcoming problem that most countries are trying to prevent. The virus consist of parts in Africa that is spreading through the country. Without knowing, Ebola has traveled to the United States causing eruption of terror. A few cases now of Ebola are active but have been treated. Even though caution is advised for individuals from Africa to travel to different countries, self-belief portrays the allowance of people coming from Ebola countries into the United States. The points that are going to be argued are people entering America anyway they can, economies falling from banned travel ports, and why letting people from Ebola countries are not as...

Words: 774 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

The Ebola Virus and the Problem It Created in the World

...The Ebola virus and the problem it created in the world The sudden and unexpected outbreak of Ebola has left the world population realise that they are not yet even close to understanding the mystery of mother nature. Even though there are secret whispers by conspiracy theorists that the virus was spread by some big world power to serve their purpose, there allegations are only blank sheets of paper without any proof. According to WHO, Ebola has the record of having the most complex outbreak in the history of such diseases. The virus is widespread in under developed African countries such as Liberia, Nigeria etc. Originating from Guinea in late 2013, the virus has been giving those poor African nations a really hard time. Especially as they are already suffering from bad economy, such outbreaks mean that other countries will practically boycott those countries making it even harder for them to deal with their ever prolonging list of problems. According to CDC, Ebola virus was first spread to human kind through a host bat. And then it spread from human to human. Until mid-2014, the pharmaceutical companies were not in a hurry to develop a vaccine for Ebola. This is understandable from a business perspective as there is little profit for the capitalist corporations by investing in such poor countries. But when the virus was threatening to become a true epidemic, the companies took Ebola vaccine as high priority and are now undergoing drug trials. With this rate, one can hope...

Words: 532 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Ebola

...EBOLA VIRUS (EBOV)1 Ebola Virus (EBOV) Alaina White Microbiology 11/04/2014 EBOLA VIRUS (EBOV)2 Ebola Virus (EBOV) The Ebola virus causes a serious illness, that causes haemorrhagic fever in humans and animals which, if it is not treated in time is often fatal. Diseases that are fatal like Ebola, affect the body's vascular system, which makes it hard for the blood to circulte through the body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the first notification of the ebola virus was mentioned in the Ebola River valley in Zaire for the time of an outburst in 1976 (Olival et al., 2013). Researchers claim that the virus is zoonotic (animal-borne), with 4 out of 5 subtypes that happen in animal hosts close to Africa (MacNeil et al., 2010). Literature Review It has been proven by scientists that the Ebola virus can be transferred from one human beng to another by means of bodily contact. The common geographic territory that ia mostly influenced by divergent subtypes of the Ebola virus is Central Africa, especially the cities of Zaire, Sudan, and Gabon (Chepurnov, Bakulina, Dadaeva, Ustinova, & Chepurnova, 2009). Ebola virus infection runs its course from 14 to 21 days. Firstly, the infection can be identified with symptoms that are uncommon for the flu, including malaise, fever, and muscles pain. With the progress of infection, patients experience acute bleeding and coagulation abnormalities such as a rash, gastrointestinal bleeding (Chepurnov, Bakulina, Dadaeva...

Words: 1283 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Ebola Research Paper

...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...

Words: 695 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Ebola

...Name: Professor: Title: Date of Submission: Origin and Spread Ebola Background According to WHO, Ebola which is a serious, acute illness if untreated is very fatal (WHO.Int). Ebola virus disease first appearance was in two simultaneous outbreaks back in 1976. One was in Yambuku in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the other in Nzara, Sudan. The name Ebola sprout from Yambuku neighbors a river known as Ebola River. In 2014, the first case was notified in March which is the most recent and is still a current outbreak in the West of Africa. Ideally, this is the most complex and largest Ebola outbreak since the 1976 first appearance. The numbers of deaths are the highest (WHO.Int). The spread began in Guinea before spreading to the bordering nations including Liberia and Sierra Leone, then to Nigeria through one traveller on air, and to Senegal through on traveller on land. Ebola hemorrhagic fever also the Ebola virus disease or simply Ebola is a disease of primates including humans whose cause is Ebola viruses. Fever, headaches, muscle pain and sore throats are the initial signs and symptoms that develop between two days and three weeks upon contracting the virus. Decreased function of the kidney and liver then follow in addition to rash, diarrhea and vomiting. At this time, it is likely to observe both external and internal bleeding. The risk of death in relation to Ebola is significantly high. Killings between 25% and 90% are recorded of those infected which extends to...

Words: 1883 - Pages: 8