Ebola virus: What you need to know about the deadly outbreak

An Ebola virus outbreak in Africa has killed more than 670 people and infected more than 1,000, including two Americans who are battling the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling it the largest recorded outbreak of Ebola. But why is the virus considered so deadly?

What are the symptoms?

Fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat are the initial symptoms. Following by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function and sometimes internal and external bleeding, according to World Health Organization (WHO).

Symptoms usually appear 8-10 days after infection, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). WHO says lab tests of contaminated individuals find low white blood cell and platelet counts.

How does the virus spread?

The virus is transmitted from wild animals to humans. Humans spread the virus through contact with blood or other body fluids of an infected person, as well as exposure to objects like contaminated needles, according to the CDC. People most at risk include health workers and family members or others who are in contact with the infected people, according to WHO.

What is the treatment?

Currently, there is no vaccine. Treatment consists only of "supportive therapy," according to the CDC.

How deadly is Ebola?

WHO has described the Ebola Virus as one of the world’s most virulent diseases. In past outbreaks, up to 90% of humans who contracted the virus have died. 

How can Ebola be prevented?

At the moment it is believed that the host for Ebola is the fruit bat, however, this is a hypothesis and the host might still be unknown. If an outbreak among animals is suspected, the best practice is to quarantine the animals, cull the infected animals and bury or incinerate the carcasses, according to WHO.

Now, as for the news on the outbreak, it is now known that it began in southern Guinea and spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone. It is the world's deadliest so far. Most border crossings in Liberia have been closed and communities hit by an Ebola outbreak face quarantine to try to halt the spread of the virus. Screening centers are also being set up at the few major entry points that will remain open, such as the main airport.

Meanwhile, Nigeria largest airline, Arik Air, has suspended all flights to Liberia and Sierra Leone after a man with Ebola flew to Nigeria last week. The virus has killed at least 660 people in West Africa since February. Nigeria has put all its entry points on red alert after confirming that a Liberian man died of Ebola after arriving at Lagos airport on Tuesday.

By Adriana Rueda

Sources: USA Today; BBC News; thewire.com

Image: USA Today