TWO EMERGENT DISEASES

1. EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE (EVD) 2. MERS COV

- first appeared in 1976 in 2 simultaneous outbreaks, - viral respi dse caused by a novel coronavirus
1. one in what is now Nzara - ZOONOTIC infx
2. South Sudan - First identified in Saudi Arabia in April 2012
3. other in Yambuku, DRC. - Middle East respi syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV):
- latter occurred in a village near the Ebola River, from which
the disease takes its name
- hemorrhagic dse
Agent: Ebola virus (EBV) Agent: MERS Cov of Beta-coronavirus
Six species: Zaire, Bundibugyo, Sudan, Taï Forest, Reston &
Bombali.
Natural virus hosts/reservoir: FRUIT BATS/ Bushmeats Major natural reservoir host/source: Dromedary Camels
MOT: Direct contact MOT: Direct and Indirect contact
close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of  Non-human to human transmission
infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys,
forest antelope or porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest.
IP: 2 to 21 days
The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa was the largest Ebola IP: 2 – 14 days (The symptoms usually appear 5–6 days after
outbreak since the virus was first discovered in 1976. exposure)

Signs and Symptoms: Signs and symptoms:

– Fever Asymptomatic
– Fatigue Breathing difficulty (DOB/SOB)
– Muscle pain Cough
– Headache Diarrhea
– Sore throat Episodes of Nausea and vomiting
Fever
– This is followed by: – 35% mortality among patients
– Vomiting – 80% of cases are from Saudi Arabia
– Diarrhea – South Korea —largest MERS outbreak outside the
– Rash Middle East.
– Symptoms of impaired kidney and liver function
– In some cases, both internal and external bleeding (for
example, oozing from the gums, or blood in the stools).
– Laboratory findings include low white blood cell and
platelet counts and elevated liver enzymes.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis:
A. antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay a) polymerase chain reaction tests
(ELISA)
B. antigen-capture detection tests
C. serum neutralization test
D. reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-
PCR) assay
E. electron microscopy
F. virus isolation by cell culture.
Treatment: Treatment:
1. Supportive care – rehydration w/oral/ IVF- and treatment of 1. NO CURE
specific symptoms improves survival. 2. O2 therapy & mechanical ventilator
2. 2 monoclonal antibodies (Inmazeb and Ebanga) were 3. Treatment for MERS-CoV focuses on relieving symptoms and
approved for tx of Zaire ebolavirus (Ebolavirus) includes rest, fluids, pain relievers and, in severe cases, oxygen
3. Vaccine: Ervebo vaccine, Zabdeno-and-Mvabea therapy.
Prevention: Prevention
Emphasize importance of handwashing Minimize close contact to camels and symptomatic person
B urial ceremony is NOT allowed Emphasize importance of handwashing at least 20secs.
O Utbreak containment measures Report any suspected cases to local health authority
L aboratory & health workers PPE Sneezing into a sleeve, flexed elbow, or a tissue
Apply STANDARD & CONTACT PRECAUTION to all patients
Cook meats and any food properly
Observe and follow a contact precaution
Visit a health facility for immediate medical attention for acute
respiratory illness