ANTC68H3 Lecture : ANTC68_Lecture_9.docx
Document Summary
A filovirus transmitted by direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of infected persons. Also by handling sick or dead infected wild animals (chimps, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, bats) The predominant treatment is general supportive therapy. Onset is abrupt and characterized by fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. A rash, red eyes, hiccups and internal and external bleeding (ebola hemorrhagic fever) may be seen in some. Mortality ranges from 50-90% of clinically diagnosed cases (case fatality rate) About 1850 cases with over 1200 deaths have been documented since the virus was discovered. High mortality, but only few 1000s have died. Nosocomial: pick up from another person in a health care facility that had the disease. Hemorrhagic fever: more likely to die from the disease. Mortality from 50-90% depends on species of ebola.
