1. Ebola

2. What is Ebola?? Ebola is a rare and deadly disease caused by the infection of the Ebola Virus (5 strands) Ebola viruses are found in several African Countries. Ebola was first discovered in 1976, near the Ebola River in Congo. Outbreaks have occurred sporadically in Africa. Scientists believe the virus is animal-borne and bats are the likely reservoir.

3. Symptoms Symptoms may appear 2-21 days after exposure Average is 8-10 days

4. Symptoms Fever Severe Headache Muscle Pain Weakness Diarrhea Vomiting Stomach Pain Unexplained Bleeding and Bruising

5. Transmission of Ebola Ebola is spread through direct contact Broken skin, mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) Blood or body fluids Objects (needles) Consumption of Infected animals (bats, bushmeat) Ebola is NOT spread by air.

6. Prevention There is no vaccine If you travel to an area affected by an Ebola outbreak: Practice careful hygiene Do not handle items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s blood/body fluids (clothes, bedding, needles, etc) Avoid contact with bats and primates and raw meat of these animals Avoid hospitals with Ebola patients If contact is made, watch for symptoms over the next 21 days

7. Diagnosis and Treatment If experiencing symptoms there are several laboratory tests that can be conducted in a hospital to diagnose Ebola Virus. Treatment (all while in quarantine): IV fluids Maintaining Oxygen and blood pressure Treating infections as they occur There is no cure (currently), only treatment. Scientists are working on a vaccine

8. Recovery Recovery from Ebola is 30-50% Depends on your immune response Once you’ve had Ebola, you have antibodies for the virus that last at least 10 years

9. Ebola Graphing