Ebola
Ebola is one of several viruses known as viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs). Ebola can spread from person to person in the bodily fluids of infected individuals. Ranging from mild to severe, Ebola affects many of the bodys organs, causing bleeding and other symptoms, including death. Your risk of contracting Ebola is very low unless you visit an area where it is widespread. If you do hear of an outbreak, use caution because there is no effective treatment for this highly contagious disease.
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- Q What causes Ebola?
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Ebola fever is caused by a virus transmitted through contact with infected animals. The original source for Ebola is not known, but after a person has been infected, he or she is very contagious. The virus can be transferred to other people in several... Full Answer
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- Q Is Ebola serious?
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Although Ebola is rare, the virus can be quite serious. Ebola is one of the deadliest types of hemorrhagic fevers, which are viral infections that cause severe bleeding. In people with Ebola, the virus makes blood vessels weak, which leads to the... Full Answer
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- Q How does Ebola affect the body?
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Ebola is an often deadly virus that is highly contagious when a person is exposed to body fluids or tissue of people who are infected. Up to 90% of people who are infected with the virus may die from it. Ebola can cause varying degrees of... Full Answer
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- Q How common is Ebola?
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Ebola is very rare. Unless you are in a place where there has been a recent outbreak, are caring for someone with Ebola, or are doing research on primates, your changes of contracting Ebola are extremely low. To date, confirmed cases of the virus have... Full Answer
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- Q How do other illnesses affect Ebola?
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Ebola may be more severe in people with pre-existing illnesses, especially those who bleed easily or are immune suppressed. The virus is so often fatal because it is able to survive attacks from the infected person's immune system. In addition,... Full Answer
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- Q How is Ebola diagnosed?
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The first step in diagnosing Ebola is a medical exam to review your health history and discuss your symptoms. Next, your doctor will perform several simple tests. You will give small samples of blood, and possibly a urine sample, which are then... Full Answer
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- Q Can Ebola be prevented?
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You can take several precautions to help prevent Ebola. When traveling, check for any Ebola outbreaks in the countries where you are staying. You can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to obtain information about recent... Full Answer
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- Q What's the connection between bats and Ebola virus?
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Research suggests that bats might be the source of several hemorrhagic fevers, which affect multiple organ systems in the body and often lead to life-threatening diseases. One of these diseases is Marburg hemorrhagic fever, which is found... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for Ebola?
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Ebola is one of the deadliest types of hemorrhagic fevers, which are viral infections that can cause severe bleeding. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Ebola, but treatment options can make you more comfortable. Drink plenty of water to prevent... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a vaccine for Ebola?
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Unfortunately, there is not a vaccine for Ebola. However, scientists are currently working on a vaccine for the virus. At the current time, care is aimed at helping people with Ebola stay comfortable. Full Answer
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