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Ebola Virus Disease
Ebola virus disease is a rare disease caused by the Ebola virus.
How Is Ebola Spread?
The Ebola virus was initially spread to humans through contact with animals such as monkeys,
chimpanzees, and bats. In some cases, the Ebola virus can be spread from person to person through
direct contact. This can happen when certain body fluids (such as blood, urine, stool, saliva, or vomit) of
someone who has Ebola virus disease come into contact with the broken skin, the eyes, or the mouth of
someone who is not infected. Spread through sexual contact is also possible.
2014 Outbreak in West Africa
The current 2014 outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa is the largest outbreak of the disease in
history. As of October 2, 2014, there have been more than 3000 deaths from the disease. Currently, the
mortality rate of Ebola virus disease is estimated to be about 50%, meaning about half of infected
patients recover and the other half die of the disease. Aside from supportive care in the hospital (such
as giving fluids and nutrition to patients when needed), there is no specific treatment for Ebola virus
disease. No vaccine is currently available.
The countries most affected by the current Ebola virus disease outbreak are Sierra Leone, Guinea,
Liberia, and Nigeria, all in West Africa. Amajorreasonwhytheoutbreakisworsethanpreviousones in Central
Africa is because this outbreak has involved more urban areas. Also, many infected patients are cared
for in hospitals or at home by healthcare workers who do not have access to proper protective
equipment such as gloves, gowns, and eye goggles. In addition, the African ritual of washing deceased
bodies at funerals in preparation for burial increases the amount of direct contact with Ebola victims,
which increases the chance of family members becoming infected.
Should You Be Concerned?
The risk of an Ebola outbreak in the United States is very low. Currently, the US Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding travel to the affected countries in West Africa.
Travel to other countries in Africa has not been restricted. In general, the risk among travelers of getting
Ebola virus disease is very low unless they are spending time inside a hospital having direct contact with
infected patients.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Fonte: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/
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