Ebola Virus Disease Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum duration for symptoms to appear after exposure to the Ebola virus?

10 days

21 days (correct)

2 days

30 days

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with Ebola virus infection?

Severe headache

Rash

Sore throat

Hiccups (correct)

What is required for a diagnosis of Ebola virus disease (EVD)?

Confirmation via physical examination only

Presence of specific antibodies in blood

Combination of suggestive symptoms and possible exposure (correct)

Elevated liver enzymes and fever

When can a person start transmitting the Ebola virus to others?

Once symptoms start developing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following transmission methods is NOT associated with Ebola?

Airborne transmission Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do monoclonal antibodies like Ebanga use to combat the Ebola virus?

They inhibit the replication of the virus. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is commonly used for diagnosing Ebola virus due to its sensitivity?

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common side effect experienced with Ebanga?

Nausea Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment for Ebola virus was approved in October 2020?

Inmazeb™ Signup and view all the answers

Infection with which of the following viruses primarily causes avian influenza?

Influenza A virus Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is most likely associated with uncomplicated avian influenza disease?

Fever and malaise Signup and view all the answers

What role does the immune system play in Ebola virus recovery?

Immune response is crucial for controlling the virus. Signup and view all the answers

Which complication is commonly associated with severe infections of the H5N1 avian virus?

Respiratory failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the main route of transmission for avian influenza to humans?

Contact with sick poultry Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the discontinuation of Ebanga treatment?

Infusion-related hypersensitivity reaction Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the seasonal variation of influenza virus intensity?

Variation in haemagglutinin and neuraminidase glycoproteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of transmission for Ebola virus disease after the initial spillover event?

Direct contact with contaminated objects or body fluids Signup and view all the answers

What type of immunity do survivors of Ebola virus infection reportedly have?

Some protective immunity to the specific Ebola virus that caused their illness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a source of Ebola virus transmission from recovered individuals?

Semen from a man who recovered from EVD Signup and view all the answers

How long can antibodies be detected in the blood of Ebola virus survivors?

Up to 10 years post-recovery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom commonly associated with Ebola virus disease?

Cough Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason Ebola virus disease is considered a severe illness?

It has high mortality rates and can affect numerous people rapidly Signup and view all the answers

In which body fluid is the Ebola virus particularly likely to persist after a person has recovered?

Semen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an effective measure to reduce the spread of Ebola virus disease?

Avoid contact with wild animals such as bats and primates Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

EVD is a severe and often deadly disease, but recovery depends on clinical care and immune response.
Similar symptoms to EVD include influenza, malaria, and typhoid fever, complicating diagnosis.
Survivors retain antibodies for up to 10 years, suggesting protective immunity to the specific Ebola strain that infected them.

Transmission

Initial infection occurs through contact with infected animals, like fruit bats or nonhuman primates, in a spillover event.
Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with:
- Blood or body fluids from infected individuals.
- Contaminated objects.
- Infected animals.
- Semen from male survivors, possibly for extended periods post-recovery.
Women do not transmit Ebola through vaginal fluids after recovery.
Spread only occurs after the symptomatic onset; there’s no evidence of transmission via insects.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms may manifest 2 to 21 days post-exposure, typically average around 8 to 10 days.
Initial "dry" symptoms include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle and joint pains
- Weakness and fatigue
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
Later "wet" symptoms progress to gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, alongside unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Additional symptoms may include red eyes, skin rash, and hiccups, especially in late-stage infections.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis requires a combination of specific symptoms and exposure history within the last 21 days.
Ebola virus can be detected in blood after symptoms start, typically taking up to three days after onset for detectable levels.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the primary diagnostic method due to its sensitivity.

Drug Treatments

Inmazeb™ is the first approved treatment (October 2020), made of three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
mAbs act against the glycoprotein on the Ebola virus, preventing its entry into human cells.
Common side effects of Ebanga treatment include fever, tachycardia, diarrhea, and chills, which overlap with EVD symptoms.
Discontinue Ebanga in case of hypersensitivity reactions.

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza primarily impacts the respiratory tract and can result in high mortality rates.
Caused mainly by influenza A, with influenza B contributing to milder cases.
Seasonal variation in the virus's hemagglutinin and neuraminidase glycoproteins leads to yearly intensity fluctuation.
Human infections often stem from contact with sick poultry, particularly in Southeast Asia, with limited person-to-person transmission.
Symptoms typically appear 1–3 days after exposure, leading to fever, malaise, and cough, with possible severe complications such as viral pneumonia and respiratory failure.

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Description

This quiz covers important information about Ebola virus disease (EVD), including its symptoms and comparison to common illnesses like influenza and malaria. It also discusses recovery and the immune response in survivors. Test your knowledge on this severe and often deadly disease.