The Ebola Virus

Communicable Disease Paper

Kendra Butler

HCS 457

April 21st, 2014

Jean Ha

The Ebola Virus

The Ebola Virus is one of the most dangerous diseases in the world and that has been known to man.  It has been the center of attention for many people since it became publicly known of how quickly the disease spreads. Climate is an environmental factor that is related to this disease as well as socioeconomic status.  Currently public health departments are working to try to reduce the threat of the disease by use of studies and experiments. From these studies there have been data findings, and a direct plan to ensure quality health for millions of people.

What Is the Ebola Virus?

Ebola is also known as the Ebola Virus (EBOV), Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (EHF), and Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF).  The virus interferes with the cells lining the surface of blood vessels and coagulation.  When the blood vessels become damaged and the platelets are unable to coagulate, patients go into hypovolemic shock.  Ebola is spread through body fluids.  If left untreated the result could be deadly.  Even with treatment very few survive (What is ebola, 2009).  

Environmental Factors Related to Ebola

The Ebola Virus is named after the Ebola River Valley in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, also formerly known as Zaire.  This was also the site of the first outbreak in 1976 at a mission hospital.  Outbreaks of Ebola have mainly been in Africa. When an outbreak occurs it is spread through the population, but it is easily contained due to lack of transportation and roads.  The virus is easily killed by the cold and is found in warm subtropical climates in Africa.  Researchers have also found that Ebola is mostly likely carried by monkeys. There is a more significant amount of monkeys in Africa than the United States, which limits the potential for an outbreak in the U.S (Bardi, 2002).

Socioeconomic Factors Related to Ebola

        African countries are poor and lack the basic necessities in medical care and technology.  Many cases of this disease have occurred in hospitals where sanitation and other healthcare practices are unknown, unavailable, or too expensive. Another way socioeconomic factors are related to this disease is accessibility to treatment and management of the disease. There is a lack of physicians available to diagnose and treat the disease.  The initial symptoms of the disease are mild and easy to confuse with other medical conditions.  Lack of clean water and food in some parts of Africa also contribute to the socioeconomic factors (Gonzalez & Pourrut & Leroy, 2007).