What is EVD, Ebola Virus Disease ?

Image from TIME

What is the Ebola Virus Disease ( EVD ) ? #Ebola #EVD

 Ebola virus disease ( EVD ) was formerly known as hemorrhagic fever and one of at least 30 known viruses that is capable of causing hemorrhagic fever syndrome much like the viruses that cause Dengue Hemorrhagic fever spread by mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti).

Ebola virus of the Filovirus family was first discovered in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo near the Ebola River and since then was found in Nigeria, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The disease is spread by close contact of body fluids, infected blood, body tissue and possibly air borne. Transmission maybe by primary exposure  which usually is travel or stay at Ebola endemic area or by secondary exposure  like human to human contact like family caregivers and  medical caregivers .

 Early sign and symptoms of the disease may include fever and chills, headache, muscle pain, abdominal pain, pharyngitis, maculopapular rash, bilateral conjunctival injection.  Later findings may include myocarditis and pulmonary edema, bleeding from mucous membrane, hypotension, tachypnea, anuria and coma. Incubation period in human infections with African-derived Ebolavirus species is typically 3-8 days and slightly longer in some cases.

    At present there is no known specific therapy available that is proven effective for the treatment of Ebola hemorrhagic fever and also no commercially available vaccine. Management is mainly supportive but may include replacement of coagulation factors and heparin if disseminated intravascular coagulation appears.

Prognosis for the disease list mortality rates ranging from 50 to 90 percent that usually arises from disseminated intravascular coagulation.

    It is interesting to note among us Filipinos that the fourth Ebola virus species, the Reston ebolavirus was first isolated in 1989( Reston, Virginia) in macaque monkeys imported from a single Philippine exporter and in 1992 in Siena Italy, a virtually identical isolate came from the same Philippine exporter. Up to this date, this species has not been documented to cause human disease and that's good news.

Palawan monkey

Disclaimer:
 Articles on this blog should be taken for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace actual medical advice and consultation with a physician and other health practitioners.

What is Tigdas, Measles or Rubeola ?

Tigdas, Measles, Rubeola  is an infectious disease considered  as one of the most contagious conditions affecting 9 out of 10 people in susceptible domestic contacts. Rubeola (Measles) is one of the Viral Exanthems that also includes, Rubella (German Measles or 3 day measles, "tigdas hangin"), Roseola Infantum and Erythema  Infectiosum (Human Parvovirus). It mostly involve the young ones but people off all ages can be also be affected.
The Morbillivirus is the responsible  etiologic agent and transmission is by droplets of nasophayngeal secretions thru coughing, sneezing and physical contact. Incubation period usually ranges from 7-18 days with the usual average of  10 days after exposure to the virus. The first usual sign is high grade fever, often above 39 degree Centigrade and lasting for 4-7 days. The prodromal phase is marked by the classic triad of Cough, Conjunctivitis and Coryza ( 3 C"s) with accompanying anorexia, photophobia, irritability and body malaise.

The rash usually spreads from forehead to trunk in about 1-2 days duration which on the average develops about 14 days after exposure to the virus. The rash may be slightly elevated and mild pruritus may also occur.

The treatment of measles is  generally supportive care  which means control of body temperature by antipyretics (Paracetamol), good hydration and replacement of fluids lost thru moisture evaporation in skin, emesis and diarrhea (Oral Rehydrating Salts "ORS"). Pruritus may be controlled with antihistamines (Cetirizine, Diphenhydramine etc.). It is also noteworthy to mention that Vitamin A supplements have been associated with a marked reduction (about  50%) in morbidity and mortality and regarded essential in preventing blindness and eye damage.

The usual complication of measles is Pneumonia, occuring about 3-10% of affected patients followed by Ear Infection (Otitis Media), severe dehydration, Pneumonitis and in severe cases, Encephalitis occuring in 1 out of 1000 measles cases and causing death in 1-2 % of affected patients.