Discovery of the Ebola Virus - Essay Example

Ebola Introduction Cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD), also referred to as EHF or haemorrhagic fever, were recentlywitnessed in West Africa. The epidemic was recently reported in Guinea, Sierra Leon and Liberia. As at 2014, this highly widespread epidemic in history was currently ongoing in several West African countries. The CDC estimates of Ebola virus reported that actual cases in Sierra Leon, Liberia and Guinea were two to three times higher than the officially reported statistics. Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa concurrently has caused a significant decline mortality rates. This epidemic ultimately reported a gross increase in fatality cases up to about 71% in West Africa. Additional cases of Ebola virus have been experienced in Nigeria and Senegal. Consequently, some of the United States of America medical doctors who were on life-saving missions in West Africa contracted this virus. This research paper elucidates on the origin, global distribution and health impacts of Ebola virus. Discovery of Ebola Virus The discovery of Ebola virus traces its origin from central Africa along river Zaire in Congo-Zaire. Baron Peter Piot was the lead researcher behind the discovery of Ebola cure. This Belgium microbiologist helped in the discovery of Ebola virus in 1976. He embarked on a mission to contain the first ever recorded Ebola virus in the same year. The natural reservoir for Ebola virus was basically never identified initially. This virus causative agent nonetheless was later unearthed in the year 1989. Ebola Reston (EBOR), on the other hand, was first identified in 1989 (Wilson 111). This virus emerged from imported primates when infected monkeys were imported from Mindanao in Philippines into Reston, Virginia. Unfortunately, a fewer population around was also infected with Ebola Reston (EBOR). This virus was an inactive form (Seroconverted). The virus, therefore, did not regenerate in the RNA. Additionally, Ebola virus conclusively failed to develop into Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF). First Discovery of Ebola virus Ebola first emerged as a simple infection though involved with a massive loss of lives in Congo-Zaire. As much as there were myths and misconceptions behind this unknown virus, scientific interventions had to prove religion wrong. Ebola emerged in 1976 in Congo-Zaire and Sudan. Therefore, this virus was named after Ebola River in Zaire. The First Ebola (Ebola-Sudan) outbreak infected about 284 people. Consequently, the infected individuals had a mortality rate of 53% (Wilson 127). A few months later, there was a re-infection of Ebola in Yambuku Zaire. This strain was referred to as Ebola-Zaire (EBOZ). EBOZ had mutated and recorded the highest mortality rate of 88% while infecting 318 people (Wilson 117). Natural reservoir for Ebola was never identified during earlier infection periods. In 1989, monkeys were identified as the virus’ natural reservoir. Chimpanzees were also identified as the last reservoir in 1994 thus making this infection a primate-related viral infection. Wilson (2014) presents that from these years through September 30, 2014 when Ebola regenerated in West Africa and transferred to the United States, an effective cure for this virus had never been established (Wilson 142). Transmission of Ebola virus Researchers concluded that Ebola is a virus associated with primates including human beings. This disease has a high risk of deaths. It kills between 25-90% of those infected with the virus averaging out at 50% (Wilson 161). The virus is closely related to ribonucleic acid (RNA) hence can be spread directly through body contact with blood or other body fluids. Ebola virus spreads easily through the exchange of body fluids with an infected person or animal. The original contact is primates. It has also been found that direct contact with fruit bats can easily transmit Ebola virus especially in areas where these animals are used as a source of food. Recent cases of Ebola virus re-emerged due to close contact of humans and primate animals in West African countries. Infection from Ebola virus may also occur from direct contact with a recently contained items or surface containing the Ebola virus (Wilson 158). Lastly, Ebola virus can also be transmitted through the spread of breast milk or semen. First Symptoms of Ebola virus Symptoms of Ebola virus between two days to three weeks, from 8-9 days a person is infected, include sore throat, muscle pain, fever and headaches. These signs and symptoms are then followed by vomiting, diarrhoea and rashes between 2-21 days. Ultimately, the functions of liver and kidney of the infected individual also decrease. Ebola virus reacts differently with different individuals’ immune systems. To some people, the last symptoms before death include internal and external body cell organelles’ bleeding. Ebola virus, just like HIV/AIDS virus, weakens white blood cells and immunity. Ebola Virus, therefore, destabilises the whole body immunity system. Ebola cells concentrate in the liver. The cells, therefore, cannot be engulfed by white cells (Wilson 162). Additionally, the Ebola virus cells cause a quicker body weakness, which eventually leads to death due to destruction of blood vessels. First Incident of Ebola virus in United States Thomas Eric Duncan was the first person to be diagnosed with Ebola virus in the United States. He eventually died in a Texas Hospital. This was the first encounter with Ebola virus in America. The patient who was a Liberian citizen was put in isolation at the hospital. The doctor’s experience from nursing Duncan appeared to be a frightful one. The hospital in which this patient was admitted believed that this was a scary ordeal. The patient, marked as the epicentre of a widening public health scare, finally succumbed to Ebola in isolation care unit. According to World Health Organisation, Ebola vaccine is yet to be discovered (Wilson 170). It is, therefore, advisable to avoid as much as possible the reservoirs of this virus. Conclusion Ebola virus is a risk to the public in both the United States and the rest of the world. This virus kills within a shorter period hence the public are at risk of instant deaths should the disease attack them. The on-going creation of awareness in relation to Ebola virus to the American public is a better move towards mitigating this global crisis. Those at a higher risk of contracting this infection are health care workers and family members. For instance, the recent cases in United States involved healthcare workers. These doctors were on a life-saving mission in West-African nations affected by the Ebola virus. Works Cited Wilson, Francois. Cdc Guidance on Ebola Virus Disease (evd), 2014. Print. Read More