It happens in other countries, not here; it seems so far away and may go ignored. Other people get it, not “us”. Perhaps it seems more real when it gets to one of “us”. I’m not just referring to medical doctors, but nurses, emergency personnel and volunteers who daily, repeatedly, put themselves in the line of germ warfare. Now Hemorrhagic Fever (Ebola) has attacked one of “us”.
Unfortunately, the personalization of disease striking our own people sometimes strengthens public attention. Recently, our nation is taking more notice of a disease that has already killed (since July 23) at least 456 people and infected approximately 1200 people according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or secretions. Viral spread may be caused by sharing the same needle or by something as simple as using the same toilet or surface contact where an infected person has vomited or had diarrhea. According to the WHO, symptoms start with sudden onset of fever, weakness, muscle aches, headache, and sore throat. In a short time, patients develop stomach pain, lack of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. Some patients may even experience cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or bleeding inside or outside of the body (hence the name, Hemorrhagic Fever).
With a death rate between 50 and 90%, Ebola virus percent mortality rivals that of the black plague of the Medieval Century. ABC News recently released information suggesting that the black plague may have been a variant of the Ebola virus and not the bubonic plague as was originally suspected. We may never know for sure. Reason for viral containment and eradication must therefore be heightened.
It is important to keep in mind that Ebola symptoms do not begin immediately but may begin to occur between 2-21 days after viral exposure. Suspected persons are routinely isolated for a 21-day fever watch. Unfortunately, once symptoms start, treatment is just like for any other virus and must be specific to relieving symptoms, administering fluids, and offering exceptional physical isolation.
Fort Worth family doctor, Dr Brantly and his family knew the risks involved with overseas medical missions. Due to the unexpected outbreak and his proximity to infected patients, he must be more dreadfully aware that appropriate vaccinations, and extraordinary physical protection from infected secretions are never 100% guarantee of germ immunity. When he returns home (we pray for his rapid recovery), he will have much to share as both doctor and patient. We have much to learn.
**written with the help of research by Texas A&M medical student, Manasa Karumuri