What Causes Ebola Disease, Symptoms & How to Prevent Contracting Ebola ~ What Causes

what causes Ebola virus

Ebola is a virus of the genus Ebolavirus, familia Filoviridae, and also the name of the disease. The virus that causes bleeding inside and outside the body. The virus is spread through the body, damaging the immune system and organs.

That's what led to decreased levels of blood clotting. This can lead to death, if the bleeding is uncontrolled. Mortality rates ranged from 80 percent to 100 percent.

The origin of the word Ebola comes from the Ebola River in Congo. Ebola disease can be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or skin. The incubation period of 2 to 21 days, usually between 5 to 10 days. Currently, scientists have developed a vaccine for Ebola that is 90 percent effective for the monkey, but the vaccine for humans has not been found. Ebola virus comes from the tropical forests of central Africa and Southeast Asia. They are part of Filovirus familia.

Symptoms of Ebola disease :

1. Between 2 to 21 days after infection, the patients begin to feel weak.

2. They have a fever, headache and muscle aches.

3. Then they are loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and impaired coagulation.

4. After that, the virus attacks the intestinal canal stomach, spleen and lungs. All these can cause mortality of the infected patients.

The spread of the Ebola virus

The Ebola virus is transmitted from person to person through body fluids, and not through the air. So there must be a direct body contact. For example, those who care for patients are at risk of contracting the Ebola virus.

At the hospital, the virus also can spread quickly. In addition, transmission can also occur if the mourners touch the deceased body of someone who died because of Ebola. Even animals can also be carriers of the virus.

The virus is able to multiply in almost all cells of the host. In particular, bat is able to transmit the virus. Man touching sick or dead animals, will catch the same disease.

Sometimes it's hard to tell if someone is infected with Ebola by looking at symptoms alone, before they undergo the blood and tissue tests to correctly diagnose Ebola.

How do I prevent contracting Ebola

First, avoid areas known as the center of the initial outbreak occurs and any country Ebola virus has spread. For example, before traveling to Africa, find out about the epidemic that is being developed at that time.

Second, to maintain cleanliness. Wash your hands or use an antiseptic soap that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Third, avoid the meat of wild animals in and from developing countries. Avoid buying or eating wild animals, including primates, which are sold at local markets.

Fourth, avoid physical contact with an infected person. It should be noted also to avoid contact with a person's body fluids and tissues, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and saliva. Ebola virus is spread fastest when the person who infected is in the final stage, usually when the victim in a state of severe or even dead.

Fifth, follow infection control procedures, wear protective clothing, such as gloves, masks, and eye shields. Keep the infected person from others. Sterilize all health instruments before becoming hospital waste.

Sixth, do not carelessly handle Ebola victim's body. The bodies of people who died of Ebola still be contagious. Specialized and trained team had to bury the bodies using the proper equipment. If you are infected with Ebola, you will be isolated from the community immediately to prevent spreading.