In a follow-up to a report earlier this week of a “mystery disease” in the west African nation of Guinea is a mystery no more- the country has confirmed the etiologic agent causing the hemorrhagic fever as Ebola, according to a Guineenews report today (computer translated).

The outbreak that began on February 9 has now killed at least 59 dead out of 80 cases (74 percent CFR) in southern Guinea, including the prefectures of Gueckedou and Macenta, according to Dr. Sakoba Keita, the doctor in charge of the prevention of epidemics in Guinea’s Health Ministry.

Keita had previously noted that Ebola has never been reported in Guinea.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says it will be beefing up its health team in Guinea. MSF said it was sending around 33 tons of medicines and isolation, sanitation and protective equipment in two planes leaving from Belgium and France.

According to the Guinea news source noted above (computer translated):

Response to the epidemic, the Ministry of Health said to have taken adequate measures. Among these, free treatment for all patients in the isolation centers, exclusive accountability treatment of patients dying body health personnel and the Guinean Red Cross to limit contamination. But also the identification of all persons who have had direct contact with the patients who died and those with signs of the disease. With these measures, the government is inviting people to remain calm . Populations are also asked to report any suspected cases to the nearest health authorities, as well as the practice of individual and collective hygiene measures.

Ebola hemorrhagic fever was first recognized in 1976 and was named after a river in the Congo. Itreceived a lot of popular attention thanks to the best-seller, “The Hot Zone”.

Infections with Ebola virus are acute. There is nocarrier state. Because the natural reservoir of the virus is unknown, the manner in which the virus first appears in a human at the start of an outbreak has not been determined.

People can be exposed to Ebola virus from direct contact with the blood and/or secretions of an infected person. Thus, the virus is often spread through families and friends because they come in close contact with such secretions when caring for infected persons. People can also be exposed to Ebola virus through contact with objects, such as needles, that have been contaminated with infected secretions.

The incubation period for Ebola HF ranges from 2 to 21 days. The onset of illness is abrupt and is characterized by fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. A rash, red eyes, hiccups and internal and external bleeding may be seen in some patients.

The death rate for Ebola HF can be up to 90%. There is no standard treatment for Ebola HF.

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