Question

Discuss the pathogenesis and progression of ebola. What safety concerns were addressed during the 2014 outbreak?

Answer 1

Discuss the pathogenesis and progression of ebola.

ANSWER:

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a rare and deadly disease in people and nonhuman primates. The course of the illness typically progresses from “dry” symptoms initially (such as fever, aches and pains, and fatigue), and then progresses to “wet” symptoms (such as diarrhea and vomiting) as the person becomes sicker.

Ebola virus enters the patient through mucous membranes, breaks in the skin, or parenterally and infects many cell types, including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, hepatocytes, adrenal cortical cells, and epithelial cells. The incubation period may be related to the infection route (6 days for injection versus 10 days for contact). Ebola virus migrates from the initial infection site to regional lymph nodes and subsequently to the liver, spleen, and adrenal gland. Ebola virus appears to trigger a release of pro-inflammatory cytokines with subsequent vascular leak and impairment of clotting ultimately resulting in multiorgan failure and shock.

What safety concerns were addressed during the 2014 outbreak?

Ebola virus disease (formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often fatal illness, with a case fatality rate of up to 90 percent. It is one of the world’s most virulent diseases.

The infection can be controlled through the use of recommended protective measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued the following safety guidance for infection control measures to care for a suspected Ebola patient:

· Wear protective clothing (such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles)

· Use infection-control measures (such as complete equipment sterilization and routine use of disinfectant)

· Isolate patients with Ebola from contact with unprotected persons

Scientists and health workers set to work tracking all potential transmissions since the first case had been reported.

Vaccinations were given to the Ebola patient, plus a "ring" of friends, family and contacts - as well as healthcare workers and people involved in burials. All had to give their consent.

The vaccine used, known as rVSV-ZEBOV was already in development during the 2014-16 epidemic. But by the time its effectiveness had been proven, the outbreak was already waning.

Front-line health workers, people in contact with confirmed Ebola cases, and their contacts all needed to be given the vaccine.