Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever Some of the most deadly killers can’t even be seen with the human eye. These microscopic predators are known as viruses. In my report, I will explain about one of the most deadly killing viruses, the Ebola virus. Ebola was named after the Ebola River in Zaire, which in 1976 is where the virus had first developed. The first outbreak infected over 284 people. Just a few months later there was a second outbreak from Yambuku, Zaire, which infected about 318 people. Ebola’s natural source was never identified, even with the astounding effort of experienced and dedicated researchers. The third strain of Ebola was first identified in 1989 when infected monkeys were imported into Reston, Virginia. The most recent outbreak of Ebola started with a pregnant woman from Ikanamongo Village that had butchered a wild animal. She became sick and reported to a private clinic in Isaka Village then later died on August 11, 2014, meaning that several healthcare workers had been exposed to the Ebola virus. The 2014 Ebola outbreak is the largest ever recorded in history, affecting multiple countries in West Africa. Although, most sources said the risk of Ebola coming to the United States was very low, there has recently been a case of Ebola in Dallas, Texas. Officials say they can keep it contained from spreading any further. As the Ebola virus travels through the human body, it begins damaging the immune system and the organs. It causes the clotting of blood to stop. If the human integumentary system is sliced open it needs the clotting of blood to stop the bleeding. Ebola causes the clotting to stop, therefore uncontrollable bleeding occurs. This microscopic predator is found in central and west Africa. Being one of the most deadly viruses around, killing nearly 90% of the victims it infects. Animals of Africa, such as, monkeys and fruit bats carry the virus. The main way humans are contaminated are from bodily fluids. If people butcher or eat an infected animal it can spread the virus to them. Also scientists that have spent time researching the infected animals have also contracted Ebola. These are the main two ways that humans catch the virus from animals, but the way it spreads from human to human is different. People are not actually contagious until they start showing symptoms. Since Africa is so poor they must reuse needles and syringes. Many people get the virus in this way if the needles and syringes were not properly sterilized. This problem has caused some of the worst Ebola cases in Africa. One positive matter about Ebola is that there has been no evidence of the spreading through insect bites. The early stages of Ebola have the same symptoms as the flu. It generally takes two to twenty-one days of being infected to start actually showing symptoms of the virus. This is mostly established on the situation of how the person was contaminated. The many symptoms include: high fever, chills, headache, joint and muscle ache, sore throat, weakness, and major loss of weight. This may not sound that deadly at first, but as it gets worse bleeding from eyes, ears, nose, and inside the body occurs. Some have been known to vomit or cough up blood, and even get a rash. This virus makes people very sick and generally leads to death. There is no antiviral medication that is effective on this virus so far. But Scientists have been working on a vaccine to protect people from getting the virus. Some of the tests have been promising, while others still need further testing. The hospital will try to care for people infected with Ebola by providing fluids, maintaining their blood pressure, providing oxygen if needed, replacing lost blood and treating other infections that may develop. The ways to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus are to avoid the areas that are infected. Basically if people are not going near the virus it will not spread. It is very important to wash hands frequently as well. People of the infected areas need to avoid eating or buying wild animals sold in the local markets. If someone is contaminated they will be isolated from other people immediately. This slows the chance of more people being infected. The risks of actually getting Ebola are very low for most people, unless they visit the areas where there has been an outbreak occur or if they conduct animal research with the monkeys of Africa. Medical care providers and morticians also have a higher risk of contamination because they handle the infected bodies. Most who are infected with the virus do not survive, but if survival does happen recovery is very slow. It may take months to regain any weight or strength. Also the virus will stay inside of the body for weeks after. Some of the complications people may experience are hair loss, sensory changes, liver inflammation, weakness, fatigue, headaches, and testicular inflammation. Even though Ebola cannot be seen with the naked eye it is very deadly. It kills nearly everyone infected. It is very important for people to acknowledge the symptoms and the way Ebola is spread to prevent this from becoming a bigger problem, especially if they were considering traveling to Africa or conducting a study of African animals. The more people apprehend about this microscopic assassin, the higher the opportunity of stopping its spread. Knowing this information can save an abundance of human lives.

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"Ebola Virus and Marburg Virus." Mayo Clinic. Web. 28 Sept. 2014. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ebola-virus/basics/complications/con-20031241>.

"Genomic Surveillance Elucidates Ebola Virus Origin and Transmission during the 2014 Outbreak." Science AAAS. 28 Aug. 2014. Web. 28 Sept. 2014.