title: Cutaneous manifestations of the Ebola virus.
abstract: The current Ebola outbreak has drawn attention to the virus in the medical community. Zaire ebolavirus, more commonly known as 'the Ebola virus,' is a level 4-security agent in the Filoviridae family. The main cutaneous finding of Ebola is a nonspecific maculopapular rash that appears between day four and six of disease. Patients have "ghost-like" features, and the rash initially presents on the upper arms, flexor forearms, and upper legs, sometimes in a centripetal fashion. Skin biopsy, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and electron microscopy can help provide early diagnosis and conceivably prevent spread if proper precautionary measures are in place.
authors.affiliation: Des Moines University.
authors.forename: Collin M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Blattner
authors.forename: Michael B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Mortazie
authors.forename: Jenny E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Murase
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004890:Erythema / Q000473:pathology; D005076:Exanthema / Q000473:pathology*; D019142:Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D017193:Skin Diseases, Viral / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult