Ebola virus disease. Recognizing the face of a rare killer.
Because of international travel and immigration, US physicians should be aware of the signs and symptoms of Ebola virus disease. It should be suspected in any recent traveler who presents with manifestations of viral hemorrhagic fever and in laboratory workers exposed to animals from endemic areas who show symptoms. Infected persons should be given supportive care to help them survive the acute phase of infection. Fortunately, adequate preventive measures are already in place in US hospitals and laboratories because of the prevalence of AIDS and hepatitis. However, aid should be provided to the World Health Organization and developing countries such as Zaire to support further research into the epidemiology and natural history of the virus, which may help prevent future deadly epidemics.
Sodhi
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University of Southern California-Los Angeles County Medical Center 90033, USA. asodhi@hsc.usc.edu
D029043:Ebolavirus; D019142:Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007757:Laboratory Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D016635:Universal Precautions