The Ebola Virus The Ebola virus is a very serious virus and can cause death in 85 – 90% of its victims. This very deadly virus originated in Republic of Congo, but soon after spread to other areas. This cylinder-shaped virus is one of, if not the deadliest of all viruses. The very unique shape makes it easy to verify during a close examination under a microscope. The alarming fact is, by the time a person contracts this very dangerous disease, and sees a doctor, it is often fatal within 24 hours, and it’s fully understandable why so many people fear this disease. Ebola has five species, four of which humans can contract. Only the fifth species of the virus affects animals and not humans. Ebola is currently found in African countries, and was identified in 1976. The name comes from the Ebola River where the virus was discovered. It is assumed the virus is animal born, and thought to be transmitted by bats. Humans get Ebola throughBroken skin or mucous membranes such as eyes, nose and mouth Transmission of blood from an infected person Urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen. Needles or syringes that have infected body fluid residue Infected fruit bats, or monkeys Related: International Nurses Association - Cover Letter Tips Ebola Symptoms If you are taking admitting information from patients, you most likely ask the very important question, have you been out of the country recently. A patient that has flu like symptoms and has traveled to certain parts of Africa, should be isolated as a precaution. Symptoms could be present 2 to 21 days after infection, so travel within the last month should be considered. Symptoms IncludeHigh fever Muscle and joint aches
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Stomach pain Headache Weakness Sore throat Lack of appetite
As the disease worsens, itwill cause bleeding within the body, and from the eyes, ears, and nose. It is also common for people to cough up blood, have bloody stools and to get a very bad rash. Diagnosis When a doctor suspects Ebola, they should immediately protect themselves in proper hazmat protection. It is often difficult to get an immediate diagnosis of Ebola. It is necessary to rule out malaria and cholera prior to suspecting Ebola. If there is any indication that Ebola could be present, precautions should be put in place. Blood tests can confirm the presence of Ebola. If blood tests confirm Ebola, the patient must be isolated. Related: What is Prader Willi Syndrome? Ebola Treatment There is no cure at this time for Ebola. It is currently being researched and there may be one in the near future, however now there is none. There is an experimental treatment that consists of a formula that kills infected cells, however this treatment is not yet approved and is still in experimental stages. The current method of treatment for the patient includes Maximizing fluid intake with electrolytes Giving the patient oxygen to lessen the labored breathing Medication to control blood pressure Blood transfusions Treating any infections as a result of the condition Many people assume Ebola is only in Africa and will not be a threat in the U.S., however, with international travels that is no longer the case. This is the reason nurses are instructed to question patients regarding international travel. Ebola victims suffer a painful illness, and sadly the chances of recovery are extremely slim. Without international involvement, most patients suffering from Ebola would not get any treatment. Areas were designated as camps, and patients were essentially laid in the area and left with no treatment, usually passing away within 48 hours. Now with humanitarian aid, victims are being treated and at minimal kept comfortable. Ebola may seem so severe that a cure is impossible, however, people once assumed the same of
AIDS, which is no longer a death sentence. There is hope for a cure, however, in the interim, if you suspect a patient has been exposed to the virus, take extreme caution. Related: Skilled Registered Nurse, Certified Hospice Nurse and Certified Legal Nurse Consultant Lucinda Perkins, RN, will be Spotlighted in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter