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Scientists who study infectious diseases take every precaution possible to avoid self-contamination. Despite such discretion, accidents still happen. Recently, Germany’s Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine faced just such a scare. An unnamed 45-year old researcher was injecting a virus into lab rats when she inadvertently pricked herself with the needle. The virus in question was none other than the deadly Ebola virus.
Reacting quickly, the woman contacted a string of fellow scientists in an attempt to somehow intercept the deadly virus. In less than 24 hours, an experimental treatment arrived from Canada, and it may have saved her life. Over the next two days, the experimenter appeared healthy. If by Thursday she is still free of problems, she will be out of danger. Though the vaccination seems effective, it’s still too soon to celebrate.
Fellow researcher, Dr. Heinz Feldmann developed the injection nine years ago. During his studies, he engineered a different virus into a sort of mock-Ebloa virus. He injected 4 monkeys with the virus, and 2 of them survived after vaccination. The scientist who injected herself was wearing three layers of latex gloves, and she not did push the plunger prior to her injection, thus she may have simply dodged a bullet. Further research could generate stronger evidence, but the world may never know.
Researchers aren’t the only people at risk of infection. The first case originated in 1976, sending 44-year-old Mabalo Lokela to a hospital near the Ebola River Valley. Workers first suspected malaria, but after just one week, he experienced incessant vomiting, bloody diarrhea, vertigo, headaches, and breathing difficulties. Subsequently, the violent illness progressed to bleeding of the nasal, oral and anal orifices. In just 14 days, the school teacher died.
The virus has also developed into a number of other species, including Sudan ebolavirus, Ivory Coast ebolavirus, and more recently, Bundibugyo ebolavirus. The virus is noticeably prevalent in African nations; however, due to the shipment of infected animals, no region is exempt. In 1989, Reston, Virginia endured an outbreak, while 2008 brought with it an outbreak in Manila, Philippines. Even Alice Texas and Italy suffered an infection. Fortunately, back in 2005, scientists experienced a breakthrough when they traced the carrier back to three different species fruit bat.
On average, about 85% of Ebola cases are fatal. It is spread via contact with bodily fluids and mucous membranes. The virus is so powerful, however, that individuals often die before they spread it to anyone else. Research has afforded a several effective vaccines, and Feldmann’s new treatment could contribute to the collection. Infected individuals must receive one of these treatments within 4 days of infection; otherwise, patients have far too much bodily destruction to survive.
Those who experience a myriad of abrupt and unusual symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and as such, the German scientist is the perfect testament. Make your health a priority and you could live a long, fulfilling life for years to come.
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