Summary about Disease
Filovirus hemorrhagic fevers (FHFs) are severe, often fatal illnesses caused by filoviruses. The two most well-known filoviruses are Ebola virus and Marburg virus. FHFs are characterized by fever, bleeding (hemorrhage), and multiple organ damage, ultimately leading to shock and death in many cases. Outbreaks are sporadic and often associated with high mortality rates.
Symptoms
Early symptoms are often non-specific and flu-like, making diagnosis difficult. Common symptoms include:
Fever
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms develop:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Rash
Impaired kidney and liver function
Internal and external bleeding (hemorrhage)
Shock
Causes
FHFs are caused by filoviruses, primarily Ebola virus and Marburg virus. The natural reservoir for these viruses is believed to be bats, particularly fruit bats. Transmission to humans can occur through:
Contact with infected animals (e.g., bats, primates)
Contact with bodily fluids (blood, vomit, feces) of infected people
Contact with contaminated objects (e.g., needles, clothing)
Medicine Used
There are a few treatments for Filovirus hemorrhagic fever.
Supportive Care: This is the cornerstone of treatment and includes managing symptoms like fever, dehydration, and pain. Patients may require intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement, and blood transfusions.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatments: Some monoclonal antibody treatments have been developed and shown to be effective against specific strains of Ebola virus. Examples include:
Inmazeb (a combination of three monoclonal antibodies)
Ebanga (a single monoclonal antibody)
Investigational Therapies: Research is ongoing to develop new antiviral drugs and vaccines.
Is Communicable
Yes, FHFs are communicable diseases. They are transmitted from person to person through direct contact with:
Blood or body fluids (e.g., urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, semen) of a person who is sick with or has died from FHF
Objects (like needles and syringes) that have been contaminated with the virus
Infected animals
Precautions
Preventing the spread of FHFs requires strict adherence to infection control measures:
Avoid contact with infected individuals: This includes avoiding contact with their bodily fluids and contaminated objects.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Healthcare workers and caregivers should wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.
Practice safe burial practices: Burial teams should use PPE and follow safe procedures for handling bodies of deceased individuals.
Wash hands frequently: Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid contact with wild animals: Especially bats and primates in areas where FHFs are known to occur.
Cook meat thoroughly: Do not consume bushmeat (wild animal meat) that has not been properly cooked.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of an FHF outbreak varies widely depending on factors such as:
Early detection and response: Rapid identification of cases and implementation of control measures can shorten the outbreak.
Effectiveness of control measures: Effective isolation of patients, contact tracing, and safe burial practices are crucial.
Resources available: Adequate healthcare infrastructure, trained personnel, and access to supplies are essential.
Community engagement: Community participation and adherence to control measures are critical.
Geographic spread: Outbreaks that spread to multiple locations or across borders can be more difficult to contain. Outbreaks can last from a few months to over a year.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosing FHF can be challenging, especially in the early stages. Diagnostic methods include:
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR): This test detects the virus's genetic material in blood or other bodily fluids.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): This test detects antibodies to the virus in the blood.
Antigen-capture assays: These tests detect viral proteins in the blood.
Virus isolation: This involves growing the virus in cell culture, but it requires specialized laboratories.
Post-mortem testing: In fatal cases, autopsy samples can be tested to confirm the diagnosis.
Timeline of Symptoms
The incubation period (time from infection to symptom onset) for FHFs ranges from 2 to 21 days. A typical timeline of symptoms is:
Days 1-3: Initial symptoms: Fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, sore throat.
Days 4-7: Symptoms worsen: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash.
Days 8-12: Severe symptoms: Impaired kidney and liver function, bleeding (internal and external), neurological symptoms (confusion, seizures).
Days 13-21: Outcome: Death or recovery. Those who recover may experience long-term complications. This timeline can vary depending on the individual and the specific filovirus involved.
Important Considerations
FHFs are serious public health threats that require prompt and coordinated responses.
Early detection and isolation of cases are critical to prevent further spread.
Healthcare workers and caregivers are at high risk of infection and must follow strict infection control measures.
Community engagement and education are essential for successful outbreak control.
Research is ongoing to develop new diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines for FHFs.