English: Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever fistribution map of outbreaks in Africa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
An outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus has killed 101 people in Guinea and neighbouring Liberia. One of the worlds deadliest viruses Ebola has a fatality rate of 90% resulting from haemorrahagic fever and organ failure. Medicins San Frontieres (MSF) who are attempting to stem the spread of the virus say it could be months before they can halt the spread of the pathogen. Ebola is spread through contact of sweat and other bodily fluids of infected people or animals, although this is not understood in many remote villages where some people believe the virus is caused by witchcraft. Initial symptoms resemble those of the flu or malaria: Between two and
21 days after becoming infected, patients start to feel weak and
experience headaches, muscle aches and chills. They develop high fever
paired with diarrhea and nausea. The infected die of severe internal
bleeding, in particular of the gastrointestinal tract, spleen and lungs. It's the first Ebola outbreak in West Africa which is proving to be a challenge for international aid organizations. "This time, in Guinea, we have cases reported from several localities inside the country which means that we need to put measures in place not in one place that was quite often the case but in several locations" said Tarik Jasarevic spokesman for the World Health Organisation. "It was difficult to come up with enough resources and mobilize partners" he added. Hiccups, say doctors, are the final tell tale sign of infection. Patients
can be discharged from isolation units soon after their clinical
symptoms, such as fever and diarrhoea, disappear.
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