The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan

The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan

The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan

Disease of the week

The disease is caused by the ebolavirus which is a member of the filovirdea family. It is a hook-like enveloped virus with a negative sense RNA genome. The disease causes a severe hemorrhagic fever characterized by a high fever muscle pain and severe internal and external bleeding. The disease is transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected patient, which is why the disease causes so many deaths in Africa due to poor sanitation. 

Ebola was discovered in two simultaneous outbreaks in 1976 killing over 200 people. Since then there have been numerous outbreaks including the current one in West Africa that has killed over 300 individuals. In the United States, Ebola is not really a problem thankfully, although a simian version of the virus did end up in California in the 1980’s killing all the monkeys in a lab yet not causing any harm to the workers. Those who live in Africa or traveling there, the Ebola virus can be horrifying. 

What is a person supposed to do to prevent contracting the virus? One can prevent contracting the virus by avoiding hotspots, wearing protective clothing, avoiding contact with infected patients and maintaining a high state of sterility. 

As far as treatment goes there is no cure or vaccine for the virus at this time so the only option is general supportive care. However, transfusion of convalescent serum has shown to be effective in curing some patients. 

For more information go to The CDC or WHO web site.

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