Concerns that Ebola maybe
transmitted through air
Gil Rivera
What is Ebola?
 The Ebola virus is an RNA virus that causes Ebola Hemorrhagic
Fever (EHF) that is an often fatal disease in humans and nonhuman primates [1].
 Known transmission via bodily fluids from handling infected
animals [1].
 The incubation period for EHF is between 2 to 21 days [1].
Studies show that Ebola can
be transmitted through air
 Wild and domestic pig show to be a potential
reservoir for virus.
 Studies with pigs that were infected with the virus
were placed in an area within close proximity of
monkeys; however, the animals were separated
by wired fence [2].
 After 8 days, some the monkeys showed signs of
typical Ebola.
Studies show that Ebola can
be transmitted through air
(cont.)
 Researchers suspected that the
monkeys were infected by large
air droplets that are airborne but
only for a short distance.
 Although the results show that
transmission is possible through,
infections still remain in a
contained area [2].
Potential Prevention
methods
 If pigs are a reservoir, vaccine can be made for
these pigs, which could prevent the spread of
the virus in humans.
References
1.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages
/Fact_Sheets/Ebola_Fact_Booklet.pdf
2.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment20341423
3.
http://www.nature.com/srep/2012/121115/srep00811/full/sr
ep00811.html