What we know (and don't know) about Ebola - Alex Gendler

Summary

In 1976, a mysterious epidemic struck two towns in Central Africa, revealing the Ebola virus, a deadly pathogen that causes hemorrhagic fever. Its symptoms mimic flu-like illness but quickly escalate to vomiting, rashes, and organ failure. The virus triggers a cytokine storm, overwhelming the immune system and leading to bleeding and severe complications. Ebola is not airborne but spreads through bodily fluids, primarily through contact with infected individuals. While the virus has high virulence, outbreaks are often contained, making Ebola difficult to study. Despite some experimental treatments, isolation, sanitation, and information remain the primary defenses.

Takeaways

• 😀 In 1976, an unknown epidemic struck two African towns, leading to the discovery of a new virus named after the Ebola River.
• 😀 Ebola is a severe hemorrhagic fever that attacks the immune system, allowing the virus to spread.
• 😀 Initial symptoms of Ebola resemble those of the flu, but progress to vomiting, rashes, and diarrhea as the virus spreads.
• 😀 The virus causes organs like the liver and kidneys to fail, but it is not the virus itself that kills; it is the immune system’s overreaction (cytokine storm).
• 😀 A cytokine storm occurs when an immune overload damages blood vessels, causing bleeding both internally and externally.
• 😀 Without proper treatment and rehydration, Ebola can be fatal within 6 to 16 days of symptom onset, though proper care can reduce mortality.
• 😀 Unlike airborne viruses, Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected person.
• 😀 The risk of contagion increases only when a person shows symptoms, as the virus does not spread before then.
• 😀 Despite Ebola's high virulence, it has been less deadly than common infections like measles, malaria, or influenza due to its limited transmission.
• 😀 Fruit bats are believed to be the natural carriers of Ebola, but the exact transmission method to humans remains unclear.
• 😀 The lack of infrastructure in affected regions and limited economic incentives have made it difficult to study and develop effective treatments for Ebola.

Q & A

What was the initial suspicion regarding the cause of the epidemic in Central Africa in 1976?

Medical researchers initially suspected the Marburg virus to be the cause of the epidemic, but upon closer examination, they discovered a new pathogen, which was later named after the nearby Ebola River.

What type of disease is caused by the Ebola virus?

Ebola causes a severe type of hemorrhagic fever, which affects the immune system and vital organs, leading to life-threatening complications.

How does the Ebola virus affect the immune system?

The Ebola virus attacks the immune system's cells and neutralizes its responses, allowing the virus to proliferate and overwhelm the body.

What are the initial symptoms of Ebola?

The initial symptoms of Ebola include high temperature, body aches, sore throat, and general flu-like symptoms. These symptoms quickly escalate to vomiting, rashes, and diarrhea.

What is the main cause of death in Ebola victims?

The main cause of death in Ebola victims is not the virus itself, but rather an immune system overload known as a cytokine storm, which leads to internal and external bleeding and organ failure.

How long does it typically take for Ebola symptoms to develop after exposure?

Ebola symptoms typically begin to appear anywhere from 2 to 20 days after exposure to the virus.

How does the Ebola virus spread from one person to another?

Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected person, such as saliva, blood, mucus, vomit, or feces. It requires transmission through the eyes, mouth, or nose.

What factors limit the spread of Ebola compared to other viruses?

Unlike viruses that are transmitted through airborne particles, Ebola only spreads through bodily fluids, which limits its contagiousness. Infected individuals are typically not contagious until they show symptoms.

Why is Ebola less deadly overall compared to other infections like malaria or influenza?

Despite its high virulence, Ebola is less deadly overall because it is less contagious and requires direct contact with severely ill individuals for transmission. This limits its spread.

What challenges do scientists face when studying Ebola outbreaks?

Scientists face challenges in studying Ebola due to its sporadic outbreaks, poor infrastructure in affected regions, and the difficulty in determining how the virus is transmitted from its natural carriers (likely fruit bats) to humans.