3 posts A recent global health issue to affect many different world populations is Ebola. It has made news in the last few years due to multiple outbreaks. The Ebolavirus is part of the Filoviridae family and has six different species within its own categories. The most common for current outbreaks and infections is the Zaire strain (CDC n.d.). The incubation period spans from 2 days to 21 days in the susceptible host. It is transmitted via direct contact with infected bodily fluids and items contaminated with those secretions. Fatality rate for those infected is up to 50 percent, but early diagnosis and supportive treatment increases the odds of survival (CDC n.d.). It is believed that the original host of the Ebolavirus is the fruit bat but can also be traced to other wild animals such as fruit flies, porcupines, and primates. The early signs/symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, headache and sore throat. These symptoms often make it difficulty to distinguish the exact viral infection because many viruses mirror the same symptoms. These initial symptoms are followed by more intense vomiting, diarrhea, impaired kidney and liver functions, internal and external bleeding, decreased WBC and platelets, and increased liver enzymes. Hosts of the virus can only spread the infection when they have the active symptoms, therefore cannot spread infection during the incubation period. Exact diagnosis is done through several blood tests including the ELISA test, antigen-capture detection test, serum neutralization test, electron microscopy, and virus isolation by cell culture (CDC n.d.) International monitoring of the Ebolavirus is done by the World Health Organization (WHO), under the United Nations. The WHO is considered to be the guardians of public health and security internationally and they are actively involved in setting up preventative and reactive programs/education. These programs are designed to decrease the possibility of an outbreak in any given population (GCU 2018). The response by WHO to the Ebolavirus outbreaks include supporting local and state health departments in disease detection, tracing the source of the outbreak, laboratory services, controlling the infection spread and instituting safe burial practices to prevent the spread of the virus (CDC n.d.). Preventative services by WHO include education on all levels to prevent outbreaks and attempts to break the chain of infection (CDC n.d.) References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2019, from . Grand Canyon University (Ed). (2018). Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs427vn/community-and-public-health-the-future-of-health-care/v1.1/

Ebola has emerged as a global health issue affecting many populations worldwide in recent years. The virus belongs to the Filoviridae family and consists of six different species, with the Zaire strain being the most common in current outbreaks and infections (CDC n.d.). The incubation period for Ebola is typically between 2 and 21 days in susceptible individuals. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and items contaminated with these secretions. The fatality rate for those infected can reach up to 50 percent, although early diagnosis and supportive treatment can increase the chances of survival (CDC n.d.).

The original host of the Ebolavirus is believed to be the fruit bat, but it can also be traced back to other wild animals such as fruit flies, porcupines, and primates. The early signs and symptoms of Ebola include fever, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, headache, and sore throat. These symptoms often make it challenging to differentiate the exact viral infection, as many viruses present similar symptoms. Subsequent symptoms include more severe vomiting, diarrhea, impaired kidney and liver functions, internal and external bleeding, decreased white blood cell and platelet counts, and increased liver enzymes. Infected hosts can only transmit the virus when they are actively exhibiting symptoms and not during the incubation period (CDC n.d.).

Specific diagnosis of Ebola is made through various blood tests, including the ELISA test, antigen-capture detection test, serum neutralization test, electron microscopy, and virus isolation by cell culture (CDC n.d.). The World Health Organization (WHO), operating under the United Nations, oversees international monitoring of the Ebola virus. The WHO is considered the global guardian of public health and security, actively involved in establishing preventative and reactive programs and education to minimize the risk of outbreaks in different populations (GCU 2018).

The response by the WHO to Ebola outbreaks includes supporting local and state health departments in disease detection, tracing the outbreak’s source, providing laboratory services, controlling the spread of infection, and implementing safe burial practices to prevent the transmission of the virus (CDC n.d.). The WHO also offers preventative services through education at all levels to prevent outbreaks and disrupt the chain of infection (CDC n.d.).

In conclusion, Ebola has become a significant global health issue, with multiple outbreaks occurring in recent years. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and contaminated items. Early diagnosis and supportive treatment increase the chances of survival. The WHO plays a crucial role in monitoring and responding to Ebola outbreaks, providing support, education, and preventive measures to minimize the risk of further spread. Overall, international collaboration and coordinated efforts are vital in effectively addressing and controlling this health threat.