Ebola Virus Disease

The Source of Ebola Virus Disease

Retrospective studies from the World Health Organization have identified the source and spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in West Africa. The index case was identified as an 18-month old boy who lived in Guinea and who may have been exposed to wild bats while playing in his backyard. Shortly thereafter, the boy developed symptoms such as fever, black stool and vomiting and died two days later on December 28, 2013. The virus then spread to several of the boy’s close and extended relatives including midwives and hospital staff who took care of him. Eventually, the virus spread to other areas of Guinea. Some evidence has shown that human settlement close to deforested areas brings closer contact to wild animals and bats, which are natural reservoir for these viruses. Over 24,000 persons have been infected and over 9,900 deaths have been reported from the Ebola virus.

The Science of Ebola Virus

Ebola is not considered a respiratory-borne virus. However, airborne-level precautions are recommended especially when the virus may be replicating in the lungs, or when the patient produces a large amount of sputum. The virus is capable of mutating like other RNA viruses. It is also feasible that the virus could become either more virulent or less virulent during its replication and mutation. How long does the virus survive on dried surfaces? More research is needed. It is possible that the virus could survive a considerable time in exposed blood, vomit or diarrhea. Some people have been infected when touching a dead body or at funeral homes. Sexual transmission of Ebola may be possible but this has not yet been documented or verified. The evidence of detected Ebola in vaginal secretions or in semen is weak and requires more research. Until more studies have been conducted, sexual abstinence for at least three months is recommended for infected patients.