Dr. Chaltu Wakijra Oromo Community Organization Washington, D.C April 4, 2015

What is Ebola An infection that causes fever, body ache, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding A very serious infection and often leads to death Caused by virus

Background Ebola virus is divided into five species named after the place it was initially caused outbreaks (Zaire, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Bundibgyo, and Reston).

Background Zaire Virus 1 st appeared in 1976 and caused multiple large outbreaks in Central Africa, with mortality rates ranging from 55 to 88 percent. This is the causative agent of the West African epidemic of It was discovered in today’s Democratic Republic of Congo Later occurred in a village near the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name Ebola virus causes an acute, serious illness which is often fatal if untreated

Background The Sudan virus has been associated with case fatality rate of approximately 50% in 4 epidemics : Two in Sudan in 1970s, one in Uganda in 2000 and again in Sudan in 2004 The Ivory coast virus has only been identified as the cause of illness in one person and that individual survived. The exposure occurred when an ethologist performed a necropsy on a chimpanzee found death in Tai Forest where marked reduction in the great Ape had been observed. The Bundibugyo virus emerged in Uganda in 2007, causing outbreak of Ebola virus disease with a lower case-fatality rate of approximately 30%. This virus is mostly related to the Ivory Coast species. The Reston ebola virus was discovered when it caused an outbreak in macaques imported to US in Three more outbreaks occurred in nonhuman primates in quarantine facilities in US and Europe. This is the only virus not found in Africa. Has not caused disease in humans.

Background Current outbreak in west Africa of 2014/2015 – 1 st case confirmed by WHO in March 2014 from a two year old child who developed fever, vomiting, and black stools in West African nation of Guinea. The outbreak subsequently spread to Liberia, Seirra Leone, Nigeria, Senegal and Mali. – Largest and most complex since the Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976 – More cases and deaths during this outbreak than all others combined – As of March 22, 2015, the number of probable, suspected and laboratory confirmed cases attributed to Ebola Virus is 24, 907, including 10, 326 deaths.

Outbreak Distribution, March 2015

What are the symptoms of Ebola? At first the symptoms are like those of the flu and it gets much worse It may lead to death if untreated(sometimes even with supportive treatment) Symptoms typically start 2 to 21 days after an exposure First symptoms may include: – Sudden fever, chills, and feeling sick – Weakness – Loss of appetite – Severe headache – Body and back aches A few days after the first symptoms start, other symptoms may develop – Watery diarrhea – Nausea and vomiting – Belly pain – Rash – Bleeding or bruising (e.g. oozing from the gums, blood in the stools; may not happen to everyone)

How is Ebola Transmitted Initially Ebola is introduced into human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as: – Chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelopes and porcupines

How is Ebola Transmitted Human-to-human transmission is via direct contact through: – Blood – Infected people skin or other bodily fluids – Contaminated surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing, medical equipment) – Burial ceremonies in which mourners have direct contact with the body of the deceased person( washing before burial ) – According to WHO, the most Infectious body fluids are blood, feces and vomit.

How is Ebola treated? If a person is infected with Ebola virus, the person would be admitted to a specialized hospital capable of treating Ebola patients. The patient will be isolated and kept on contact precautions usually in the hospital intensive care unit (also called the “ICU”) Currently, there is no cure for ebola infection, an infected person will only be able to get supportive care – fluids through a tube that goes into a vein (called and “IV:”) – medicine to support your blood pressure or treatments to help your blood clot properly – experimental treatments that have been given to some patients and – Antibodies from blood of a cured patient may be given to infected patient

When to see a doctor or nurse? If you have been exposed to Ebola or have been to an area where many people are sick with Ebola If you may have been exposed-even if you did not have direct contact with someone with Ebola here is what you should do: – Check your temperature every day for 21 days – Check yourself for any of the Ebola symptoms listed above for 21 days – If you think you have a fever, or any symptoms of Ebola, call your doctor

Can Ebola be prevented? You can reduce your chances of getting Ebola by staying away from infected or sick people or who have had contact with Ebola victims If you must be around people who are sick with Ebola, contact your doctor and ask for guidance Cleared virus from blood doesn’t necessarily mean the virus has cleared from the body(eg. Ebola virus was cultured from a patient’s urine 26 days after the onset of symptoms., 9 days after blood tested negative. In Uganda in 2000, the virus was detected in breast milk after it was no longer detectable in blood. Two children who were breastfed by infected but cured mothers died of the disease.

How do I protect myself against Ebola Wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol- abased hand sanitizer Avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of infected person Do not handle items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids Do not touch the body of someone who has died from Ebola

How do I protect myself against Ebola Report any potential unprotected Ebola exposure or illness promptly Seek medical care immediately if you develop: – fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, stomach pain, or unexplained bruising or bleeding If you are in areas where Ebola is present, avoid contact with – Bats, monkeys, and non-human primates (chimpanzees or gorillas) – Avoid blood, fluids, or raw meat from these animals

Where can I learn more? For more EVD information, visit: