Ebola historical perspective
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Ebola Microchapters |
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Ebola historical perspective On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Ebola historical perspective |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Michael Maddaleni, B.S.
Overview
The Ebola virus first came to notice in 1976 in outbreaks of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in Zaire and Sudan.[1] The strain of Ebola which broke out in Zaire has one of the highest case fatality rates of any human pathogenic virus, roughly 90%. The strain which broke out later in Sudan has a mortality of approximately 50%. The virus is believed to be initially transmitted to a human via contact with an infected animal host. From the first human infected, the virus is then transmitted by human contact with infected blood and bodily fluids of a diseased person, and by human contact with contaminated medical equipment, such as needles. Both of these infectious mechanisms will occur in clinical (nosocomial) and non-clinical situations. Due to the high fatality rate, the rapidity of demise, and the often remote areas where infections occur, the potential for widespread epidemic outbreaks is considered low.
References
- ↑ "BMJ website". Retrieved 2008-02-25.