Ebola Virus

Ebola virus disease or EVD (formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever) is a severe disease with frequent fatality. The case fatality rate (CFR) for Ebola disease ranges from 25% to 90%, depending on the viral species.

Ebola viruses are part of the filovirus family (Filoviridae). There are six species in the genus Ebolavirus, three of which (Bundibugyo, Sudan and Zaire) have previously caused large outbreaks in African regions.

EVD is a zoonotic infection - outbreaks begin in humans following a spillover event from an animal to human. Current evidence shows that the natural reservoir of the virus is bats. Furthermore, Ebola viruses have significant epidemic potential already causing fatal outbreaks. Records depict 11,323 reported deaths from EVD during 2013-2016 in Africa.

Though EVD is rare in other geographical parts of the world, due to the high fatality and hemorrhagic nature of the viruses, it remains as a virus of high pathogenic concern.

Relevance of pathogen in transmission in endoscopy

• Gastroenterology: High

• Pulmonology: High

• Ear, nose, and throat: High

• Urology: High

Relevance for endoscope surveillance

• Low or moderate concern organism in non-prevalent region

• High concern organism in prevalent region

Transmission route

Following a first-time spillover, the virus can spread between individuals.

When a person's broken skin or the mucous membranes in their mouth, nose, or eyes come into contact with

1. Fluids from the body or blood from an Ebola patient, either alive or deceased. Urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and amniotic fluid are examples of bodily fluids.

2. Items contaminated with bodily fluids from an Ebola patient, either alive or deceased. This can include medical supplies & equipment, clothing, bedding, and needles.

3. Animals with the infection, such as bats, primates, or forest antelopes. Viral transmission is possible when an individual hunts, handles, or consumes infected animals.

4. Semen from a person who recovered from Ebola disease. This can happen through oral, vaginal or anal sex.