Ebola hemorrhagic fever in the era of bioterrorism.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers are among a small group of infectious diseases considered potential candidates for use as agents of bioterrorism. Ebola hemorrhagic fever, the focus of this article, has the highest mortality rate of the viral hemorrhagic fevers and has no effective treatment. It is transmitted easily to family members and health care professionals not following universal precautions. The history of this infection, its clinical presentation, and epidemiology are discussed. Attention is paid to the immunopathogenesis of the disease with a focus on pulmonary involvement. Recommendations for infection control and Ebola virus' potential as a bioterrorism agent are addressed.
D023482:Bioterrorism; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control; D019142:Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States; D016635:Universal Precautions