From Healthline on 10/16/14

• Ebola Virus and Disease

What Is the Ebola Virus?

EBOLA UPDATE:

Summer of 2014 brought an Ebola epidemic that originated in West Africa. Get the most current information on the outbreak here:

Second Texas Hospital Nurse Has Ebola; Woman Took Commercial Flight

Up to 128 People Now Monitored for Ebola in Texas; Official 'Certain' US Can Stop the Virus

NBC News Cameraman in Liberia Contracts Ebola, Will Be Treated in the US

Ebola disease—also called Ebola hemorrhagic fever or Ebola fever—is a rare and often fatal illness that humans and nonhuman primates (such as monkeys and gorillas) can contract. There have been several outbreaks of Ebola fever in Africa.

The Ebola virus causes Ebola fever. The virus is found in Africa and the Philippines—but, the virus from the Philippines does not cause illness in humans. The virus was named after the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it was first discovered.

The Ebola virus was discovered in 1976 and has appeared in sporadic outbreaks since then. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 2,265 reported cases of Ebola fever in humans around the world since 1976. Of these, 1,531 resulted in death (CDC, 2012).

Part 2 of 9: Types

Types of Ebola Virus

There are five subtypes of Ebola virus:

• Ebola-Zaire

• Ebola-Sudan

• Ebola-Ivory Coast

• Ebola-Bundibugyo

• Ebola-Reston

All of these subtypes are found in Africa, except for Ebola-Reston, which is found in the Philippines. The Ebola-Reston virus is also the only subtype that will not cause illness in humans—it only affects animals.

Part 3 of 9: Causes

How Do You Contract the Ebola Virus?

You can get the Ebola virus through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected animal or human. These include blood, saliva, semen, vomit, urine, or feces.

According to the World Health Organization, you can also get the virus by handling a sick or dead wild animal that has been infected with it (WHO, 2007).

There is some evidence that the Ebola virus can be spread through the air from nonhuman primate to nonhuman primate, such as monkey-to-monkey, in research facilities. No definitive studies have proven this, however.

Part 4 of 9: Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Ebola Fever?

If you are exposed to the any of the African forms of the Ebola virus, you will begin to display symptoms anywhere from two to 21 days following that exposure. The onset of the illness is rapid. The initial symptoms resemble those of a common flu infection and include:

• fever

• headache

• sore throat

• joint and muscle soreness

• weakness

As Ebola fever progresses, the symptoms become more severe. Late-stage symptoms of Ebola virus may include:

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• redness in the eyes

• swelling of the genitals

• internal and external bleeding (some patients may have blood coming from their eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or rectum)

• a bleeding rash over the entire body

Part 5 of 9: Diagnosis

How Is Ebola Fever Diagnosed?

Ebola fever is diagnosed using blood tests to detect the Ebola virus in your blood. Your doctor may test you for the Ebola virus if you have symptoms of Ebola fever and have recently been in an area where the virus is found.

Part 6 of 9: Treatments

How Is Ebola Fever Treated?

There is no cure for Ebola fever. The only available treatments are those meant to help to ease your symptoms. These may include:

• oxygen therapy

• intravenous fluids

• blood transfusions

• medications to treat shock

• pain medications

Part 7 of 9: Getting Help

When to Call a Doctor

Call your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of Ebola fever and have recently traveled to Africa or been exposed to the Ebola virus. The earlier you receive treatment, the better your chances will be for survival.

Part 8 of 9: Outlook

Outlook: The Chances of Survival with Ebola Fever

The National Institutes of Health estimate that Ebola fever is fatal in as many as 90 percent of all infected patients (NIH, 2011). The virus infects the liver, destroys the lining of blood vessels, and causes blood clotting problems and loss of blood. Death is usually due to hypovolemic shock because of loss of blood. It is not known why some people survive Ebola fever while others do not.

Part 9 of 9: Prevention

How Can Ebola Fever Be Prevented?

You can lower your risk of becoming infected with the Ebola virus by avoiding locations where it is found, especially during times when there is an outbreak of Ebola fever.

If you travel to Africa, avoid handling live or dead wild animals. Some species of animals besides primates may carry the Ebola virus. The African subtypes of the virus have also been found in forest antelope and fruit bats. Also, always be sure to wear special protective clothing (gown, gloves, full face mask and eye goggles) if you are around a person with Ebola fever.

Article Sources:

 Cyber Schoolbus: Ebola. (2000). United Nations. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/special/health/disease/ebola.htm

 Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever. (2007). World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.who.int/csr/disease/ebola/en/

 Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever. (2012). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 10, 2012, fromhttp://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/ebola/qa.htm

From Healthline on 10/16/14

• Ebola Virus and Disease

What Is the Ebola Virus?

EBOLA UPDATE:

Summer of 2014 brought an Ebola epidemic that originated in West Africa. Get the most current information on the outbreak here:

Second Texas Hospital Nurse Has Ebola; Woman Took Commercial Flight

Up to 128 People Now Monitored for Ebola in Texas; Official 'Certain' US Can Stop the Virus

NBC News Cameraman in Liberia Contracts Ebola, Will Be Treated in the US

Ebola disease—also called Ebola hemorrhagic fever or Ebola fever—is a rare and often fatal illness that humans and nonhuman primates (such as monkeys and gorillas) can contract. There have been several outbreaks of Ebola fever in Africa.

The Ebola virus causes Ebola fever. The virus is found in Africa and the Philippines—but, the virus from the Philippines does not cause illness in humans. The virus was named after the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it was first discovered.

The Ebola virus was discovered in 1976 and has appeared in sporadic outbreaks since then. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 2,265 reported cases of Ebola fever in humans around the world since 1976. Of these, 1,531 resulted in death (CDC, 2012).

Part 2 of 9: Types

Types of Ebola Virus

There are five subtypes of Ebola virus:

• Ebola-Zaire

• Ebola-Sudan

• Ebola-Ivory Coast

• Ebola-Bundibugyo

• Ebola-Reston

All of these subtypes are found in Africa, except for Ebola-Reston, which is found in the Philippines. The Ebola-Reston virus is also the only subtype that will not cause illness in humans—it only affects animals.

Part 3 of 9: Causes

How Do You Contract the Ebola Virus?

You can get the Ebola virus through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected animal or human. These include blood, saliva, semen, vomit, urine, or feces.

According to the World Health Organization, you can also get the virus by handling a sick or dead wild animal that has been infected with it (WHO, 2007).

There is some evidence that the Ebola virus can be spread through the air from nonhuman primate to nonhuman primate, such as monkey-to-monkey, in research facilities. No definitive studies have proven this, however.

Part 4 of 9: Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Ebola Fever?

If you are exposed to the any of the African forms of the Ebola virus, you will begin to display symptoms anywhere from two to 21 days following that exposure. The onset of the illness is rapid. The initial symptoms resemble those of a common flu infection and include:

• fever

• headache

• sore throat

• joint and muscle soreness

• weakness

As Ebola fever progresses, the symptoms become more severe. Late-stage symptoms of Ebola virus may include:

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• redness in the eyes

• swelling of the genitals

• internal and external bleeding (some patients may have blood coming from their eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or rectum)

• a bleeding rash over the entire body

Part 5 of 9: Diagnosis

How Is Ebola Fever Diagnosed?

Ebola fever is diagnosed using blood tests to detect the Ebola virus in your blood. Your doctor may test you for the Ebola virus if you have symptoms of Ebola fever and have recently been in an area where the virus is found.

Part 6 of 9: Treatments

How Is Ebola Fever Treated?

There is no cure for Ebola fever. The only available treatments are those meant to help to ease your symptoms. These may include:

• oxygen therapy

• intravenous fluids

• blood transfusions

• medications to treat shock

• pain medications

Part 7 of 9: Getting Help

When to Call a Doctor

Call your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of Ebola fever and have recently traveled to Africa or been exposed to the Ebola virus. The earlier you receive treatment, the better your chances will be for survival.

Part 8 of 9: Outlook

Outlook: The Chances of Survival with Ebola Fever

The National Institutes of Health estimate that Ebola fever is fatal in as many as 90 percent of all infected patients (NIH, 2011). The virus infects the liver, destroys the lining of blood vessels, and causes blood clotting problems and loss of blood. Death is usually due to hypovolemic shock because of loss of blood. It is not known why some people survive Ebola fever while others do not.

Part 9 of 9: Prevention

How Can Ebola Fever Be Prevented?

You can lower your risk of becoming infected with the Ebola virus by avoiding locations where it is found, especially during times when there is an outbreak of Ebola fever.

If you travel to Africa, avoid handling live or dead wild animals. Some species of animals besides primates may carry the Ebola virus. The African subtypes of the virus have also been found in forest antelope and fruit bats. Also, always be sure to wear special protective clothing (gown, gloves, full face mask and eye goggles) if you are around a person with Ebola fever.

Article Sources:

 Cyber Schoolbus: Ebola. (2000). United Nations. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/special/health/disease/ebola.htm

 Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever. (2007). World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.who.int/csr/disease/ebola/en/

 Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever. (2012). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 10, 2012, fromhttp://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/ebola/qa.htm

Palani, we know that convention pharmacology fails miserably in the face of Ebola, but what about medical grade essential oils (reference given in the question)? The authors say that virtually NOTHING can live in the presence of medical grade Cinnamon, Oregano, and Thyme, for instance, and it is odd that clinicians are not trying this before saying nothing safe works. These are safe for human consumption and yet are entirely ignored by those who ought to try it in my feeling. Vanderbilt Hospital in a recent study found that doTerra's On Guard (main ingredient is melaleuca) was the ONLY substance that would directly kill H1N1. If milder antibiotic EO can do that, why not try an enormously powerful EO like Cinnamon etc. The key, from what we know at this point of who lives or dies once exposed is in their immunology--not too much else matters. But if it turns out that powerful EOs (not the commercial types) can do the job, the paradigm shifts so that even weaker immunology may survive.

I am honored by your asking me to share in the discussion Professor Max Chartrand.. I am not an expert in this subject but I may add a little information which may be used in fighting this terrible virus. In addition to Oregano, Cinnamon, Thyme, and Ginger, I suggest Tumeric (Curcuma longa) (used in some countries as spice or to color rice). Three years ago, I was an internal examiner to a student who isolated some chemicals from Tumeric to apply them on various  bacteria types & she succeeded. I wonder if these chemicals are effective against viruses. Mind you, I was concerned about the organic chemistry part upon examining the student.

Dear Max,

To enrich this important discussion/issue, please have a look at the the thread attached.

https://www.researchgate.net/post/The_Corona_virus_the_Ebola_HIV_and_H1N1_are_all_fatal_infections_Are_the_worlds_health_and_medical_organizations_up_to_the_challenge

As the Ebola virus spreads through the body, it damages the immune system and organs. Ultimately, it causes levels of blood-clotting cells to drop. This leads to severe, uncontrollable bleeding.

There’s no cure for Ebola, though researchers are working on it. Treatment includes an experimental serum that destroys infected cells.

Doctors manage the symptoms of Ebola with:

Fluids and electrolytes

Oxygen

Blood pressure medication

Blood transfusions

Treatment for other infections

For more information about the Ebola virus, you may look at the following link:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ebola-fever-virus-infection

The World Health Organization said on Thursday it was increasing efforts to help several African countries fight Ebola if the deadly virus arrives on their soil.

"It will take time, months, before this outbreak is stopped. In the meantime, we need to make sure it doesn't spread to other countries," Isabelle Nuttall, head of WHO's alert and response arm told reporters in Geneva.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sci-tech-and-agri/ebolas-deadly-toll-on-healthcare-workers/article6504515.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/obama-opposes-ban-on-travel-from-west-africa-over-ebola/article6509772.ece

Dear Colleagues,

To my mind, as for all possible pandemia, whatever the pathogen:

- as said,  prevention of spead out is possible by common hygiena means and also specific ones used for infectious disease control.

At the moment , Ebola virus  transmissionis  only prooved by contact with blood, digestive secretions ... but not respiratory transmission (we hope no mutations could occur to permit that; virologist said that's is very improbable;  advices from experts ?),

- at the same time research are in progress  for treatment by anitvirus and also on vaccine: it would be already made (Ebola appeared since 50 years), but it wasn't done by industrials because no "markets" (few epidemy and persons in develloping countries) ; that's the actual "cynism" of mondial health policy by private companies.

But because of recent events, they know put money in research (also government of developped country) because we are now all concerned.

Best regards

Didier

Dear everybody.

First of all, I´m not an expert, but I´m Spanish, so I would just like to mention the case of  the Spanish nursing assistant infected with Ebola (the first person to contract Ebola outside Africa).

As you probably have read, she remains in serious condition but doctors see grounds for cautious optimism.

According to he head of the Tropical Medicine Unit at Carlos III Hospital, she was initially administered a hyper-immune serum, extracted from patients who have survived the illness. She was also given an antiviral treatment that has shown positive results in mice.

So, we will see what finally happens, but I will tell you that we, the Spaniards, are confindent that she will finally survive.

Regards

Its unfortunate that Ebola has now become a world wide issue. It would be imperative to know first how the previous attacks have been handled to contain the pandemic so that countries which are currently joining the list of other countries like Liberia can put in measures. why i say this is because i am not sure if it is the same strain or a more virulent strain of virus this time round. If it is the same strain, then it is unfortunate that the whole world can be terrorized for so long by a single viral strain, with recurring pandemics. No vaccine, no drug, since 1976????? We need to have funds for such research for the world to be prepared for the next out break.

Am not an historian, but a from a bioprospectors thinking, and going back to the African traditions, they had ways of dealing with pandemics (viral) traditionally. Why not get back to these pre-scientific methods and try find a solution. A good number of African states have the legal frameworks to safe guard such studies and this might safe the world, i guess.

I can only support Kamal's opinion from point 1. It means anybody IN, but nobody OUT, exept via quarantine centre, maybe in two stages, just to increase reliability. 21 days of delay seems to me as small price. If it is possible to build huge military base with provisional airport practically in no time, it should be also easy to build quarantine camp, probably not 5* level, but comfortable enough.

I dont know if somebody at all conducted any research on WHY these 30% of infected people survived. As it looks they are sent away from medical centres but at least men, who survived, are able to spread infection roughly for further 80 days.

With regard to above mentioned essential oils I simply dont know. But maybe there is some oil which can increase immunity, Rooibos might be sample.

What I remember from my school days was that when there was single case of serious infectious illness (e.g. jaundice) in the school, then all doorknobs were bandaged and bandages were soaked with chlorine dilution. mabe there is more of such easy and relatively cheap measures from the past.

Jamaica example

Jamaica’s travel ban extends to “persons ordinarily resident in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone as well as persons who have travelled to or transited through Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, within 28 days of having departed from these countries,” the government said, describing it as a temporary measure to protect human and animal health.

The government also said Jamaican citizens and residents would be quarantined, in the interest of public health and national security, for 28 days after any travel to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

This also applied to members of international organisations with a right of entry to the country.

I for one am not sure how threatening this outbreak is going to be, given the way it is spread (not like influenza). Proper hygienic measures appears to be the best answer to this virus. I would have thought the military sent to West Africa have been sent to assist setting up these hygienic measures, but may be this assumption is a bit naive....

It has to be said that the girls kidnapped by Al Shabab have still not been returned to their families. Clearly Taliban/ ISIS/ Al Qaeda-types of terror has less priority over a virus that is NOT threatening the world. The hype over a few infected passengers who took the flight home is merely scare mongering and has no substance.

West-African people have the custom to touch their deceased family members and this is how the virus spreads. In addition there is spread by exchanging bodily fluids (like AIDS, another African born virus), need I say more.  A bit of education will do wonders.

I'm not very experienced, but I like this paper and it has some good ideas.  Like this:

PROSTAGLANDINS AND CYCLOOXYGENASE INHIBITORS

There are so many drugs on the market, we need a database of how each drug mechanism works and what it can act on.  Then link that to a disease database so that the mechanisms of the disease can receive hits from the drug database, giving doctors and researchers a way to sift through millions of drugs, pathways, and disease solutions.  There is no way for the human brain to remember all the possible connections that could be formed!

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3592351/

I agree with Jan on the ISIS/Taliban/Boco Harem/al Queda threats that the world is simply being negligent--if we rose up--all our nations--at once said put these mass murderers in their place we could find peace that has not existed in the annals of history--and THEN we could prepare and be ready for challenges like Ebola. I do not mean to diminish or elevate one over the other. But terrorism did come first and is killing far more people needlessly--our friends, family, colleagues are impacted. 

On the question of quality research--as you all know, a wrong hypothesis, in this case that the allopathic approach has the answer, only wastes a lot of money and precious time. I am appalled that we are given false hope in a three stage vaccine that wll NOT kill Ebola or boost immunity whatsoever--quite the opposite results will happen if we pursue that rabbit trail. A better way is to test that which has not been tested: the antibiotic and immune boosting power of the brand new medical grade essential oils of oral Cinnamon, Oregano, and Thyme are stronger in antibiotic action than any single synthetic out ther according to emerging data---nothing can live with these three combined like this, plus the immune boost of even the weakest immune system is many times better than tearing the body down with the same old same old approach of yore. It is time to tear up the Pharma card and take a new track, pronto! I hope we will have the courage to do it.

My friends at the University of Malaysia, you may hold the key. I hope you will test doTerra's medical grade essential oils against Ebola in animals. You've done some wonderful groundbreaking research that has blown the allopathic paradigm ouf of the proverbial water. I hope you do so with this. You are set up to do it and you have our ardent and ernest attention.  

Jennifer has cited an excellent and new direction in research re cytokine storm--which is one of my proposed theoretical models for the new super powerful and edible oral EOs.

Dear Max

Thank you for raising this important question.  I think we need to discuss more carefully what are responsible responses to the moral pressure to respond with as much attention to the macro level as to the micro level.  For example, attention to patterns of travel as a source of infection spread does not mean that we cut regions off entirely from continued economic interaction with the outside world, but it does curtail further complicating matters by sending troops from here to there, an action only bound to deepen the threat (as has already been noted).  If we consider how to maintain shipments of assistance without deeping the risk of infection through troop travel, we can respond responsibly. 

From a non-medical point of view, I think a serious thought should be put into establishing a sort of embargo in reverse but regarding the movement of people (not of goods) for the areas affected by the pandemic outbreak. In other words a serious control of the movement of people should be enforced, especially when dealing with fast means of transportation. At the same time, all the help (and manpower) sent over should be organized in a standardized way following precise safety protocols constantly improved as knowledge of more details become available (i.e. is it transmissible through the air?).

Yes Max, of course,

vaccination doesn't "kill" the virus, but it's equivalent to circumscription of its dissemination ; as measures preconized by Tomy; but remembering that it was the same for plague in middle age: all "terrific" diseases because mortal and without treatment provoke these reactions in humanity; but in our present times, we can use other methods than quarantine (added to), with our technology: quarantine is not the most efficient alone because adressing to humans, with fears, bad look at persons who are stigmatized, incitating them to escape from the area of quarantine, especially because  people considers that they are not treated in these area (no reanimation in most of africa hospitals or healt centers homing new cases), and that they are only  places where they die (as hospices in middle age).

At a large scale of infectious disease dissemination in the world (pandemias), there is a "run" between the speed of dissemination and the means to control it: hygiena kills the pathogens, vaccine decreases the number of infected people. So if in an area surrounding the focus of epidemia, all the people are vaccine, the epidemy shut down by itself (that's a way of circumscription): these first 2 means are necessary at the same time

As examples, because of general world vaccination against smallpox, we have no more human cases since 10 years, I think, and it's  also the case in 2014 (first year) for polyomyelitis: under a certain number of world cases (threshold different according to the virulence of the pathogen), the disease disappears from humans (but pathogen can be  still present in silencious animal reservoir; so if we  stop vaccination, to my mind, it can appear again in several years).

Drugs, like hygiena for external virus  in the environment, kills the germs but inside the human reservoir or stimulates immune system to destroy it;  and in this case other drugs or treatment than allopathy are usefull.

So, the third way to control with hygiena and vaccine are treatments.

If we consider that there is a world danger, the 3 have to been  used.

As said, a part of "virulence" is due  to the speed and intensity of transmission , and the non-respiratory transmission modes (only by contact) have a lower speed of dissemination.

If it was  by air (after mutations), that would be  "another problem".

Another part of the "virulence" is represented by mortality : at the moment about 50%; also a parameter in dissemination.

To my mind, mathematical models built with these parameters and others like  environmental ones (in Africa or in Europe or in USA ie; in towns versus  in campaign ...) can give us also informations, that are important to control the disease

And so on ....

Regards

Didier

Have you seen today's article in the chronicle?  http://chronicle.com/article/As-Ebola-Fears-Touch-Campuses/149491/?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en

Even in Italy, there was a summit for preventive interventions anti-ebola, during which it was decided to intensify the information campaign in ports and airports, but mainly to provide two military transport aircraft C-130. The aircraft will be ready to carry any citizens ebola patients to hospitals and Sacco Spallanzani (Rome and Milan respectively) ie in one of the two units specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. 

All this will serve to anything other than to give the impression that the "palace" is attentive to the problems of the population?

Yes Sherrie.

Interesting paper, because we could asked:  where is the frontier between scientific arguments and emotional reactions,  so non objective decision: a proverb, "the treatment has not to be worst than the evil" or "for a physician, first not to be deleterious for your patients treating them"

Regards

Didier

Dear sir, its my pleasure to participate in this discussion. According to me, a detailed study of the Ebola infections (all aspects) can be utilised to draw out similarities between Ebola infection and other existing  viral infections. Furthermore once the similarities drawn, the existing therapy can be optimised and applied for Ebola. Yes, at initial stage this seems to be very verbal but i am sure on conducting detailed study on mechanism of infection and spread, researchers will be able to find out therapies effective in Ebola. Additionally, the blood profile of infected patients should be studied to see any abnormal afflictions and later the data utilised to find out the biomarkers distinct for ebola that aid to diagnoise the disease at an early stage

I don't know, so i ask, is the Ebola virus sensitive to UV light?

Good question, Bradut. From what I can see only the traditional anti-viral approaches have been truly investigated. But now that there are none that faze this virus, we must look to alternative and I think there is where lies the answer. Hence, my reason for bringing up the essential oils--if only one of our institutions would get on this pronto, not waiting for funding or NIH approvals--do a trial and see.

Bradut, yes, I believe it is UV sensitive.  I read it somewhere...

Harita,

Since the 1970s and especially since the recent outbreak in Africa medical and scientific researchers have been hard at work on Ebola and have already addressed everything you mention and much, much more.  Researchers have their duties under control.  Of course, they could have been much further along if in the 1970s Big Pharma had invested in this research; they declined because there were not enough deaths for it to be profitable. 

What is not under control is containment of the infected.  The people in government, health agencies, and hospitals responsible for addressing issues such as this, unlike the researchers, do not have their duties under control.  Typical of bureaucracies they have no idea what to do, they contradict each other, they blame each other for failures, they are incompetent, and they lack basic common sense.  They will be responsible for the disease spreading out of control to the extent that when research does have an effective treatment it will be too late for thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of people.

Sherrie and others are apparently opposed to containment and quarantine (surprisingly since it's a basic medical protocol for infectious diseases) to allow continued economic interaction with the outside world.  Who decides when money is valued more than life?  What is the "economic formula" cut-off point for initiating the quarantine protocol---20,000 deaths, 50,000?  Or maybe it's when there aren't enough people left in West Africa for "continued economic interaction."  The medical formula for quarantine is now if the bureaucracies would get out of the way.

And some contend that quarantine "does curtail further complicating matters by sending troops from here to there, an action only bound to deepen the threat."  You should be grateful that American troops again risk their lives to save you!!  Their presence does not deepen the threat; it alleviates it greatly because they are delivering supplies, preparing facilities for treatment, and more to help stop the spread of the disease at the source.  Troop travel won't increase the risk of infection.  American troops, medical professionals,, and other volunteers have to be under 21 day quarantine before returning to US.  Africans do not have to be quarantined before entering the US!!

John raises some excellent points. I am not sure that the medical grade EOs I mention above have had their due diligence in research primarily because there is no one to finance it at this point. Plus the fact that they have been available in this form for only about 4-5 years. But I do hope a good veterinary school gets onto the project soon  so we will know. The original question is what to do AFTER getting infected. But John is correct that quarantine is first order of business, always, without regard to commerce or political considerations. The fact that American soldiers are willing to get supplies in and out of the affected areas is indeed something for which to be grateful. Personally, I would like us to find a different way of handling this aspect, because it becomes a situation of thousands more being exposed to a virus that knows no bounds and will surely be brought back to the US with which to contend. But now the larger question deals with the untested solutions that everyday people can reach for if only they knew what to do. To look to politicians and bureaucrats for protection is like waiting for the pot of gold at the proverbial rainbow. It's just not going to happen. Thank you all for you kind participation.

Max,

It's disgraceful that there is not the due diligence in research of EOs.  Similarly, I remember from decades ago that the Amazon rain forest contains an estimated 3-4 thousand medicinal plants undiscovered, processed, tested.  To date there has been no major effort that I know of to exploit this treasure trove of a medicine "cabinet".

I'm writing a biography of Jose Celestino Mutis, a physician and botanist who worked in Colombia 1760-1808.  He classified and gave the botanical name to thousands of plants and sent the information to Charles Linnaeus.  He also had a group of artists who painted the plants in photographic detail using pigments from plants.  The material is collecting dust in the archives of the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid.  Nobody cares about this sort of information and knowledge unless there's a way to get rich from it.

You are so right, John. But now we have to care as it appears many lives will depend upon it. I do not think any good will come of the present crash program for a vaccine except it will line someone's pockets, but leave in its wake uncountable cases of compromised immune systems and permanent neural damage. I know this sounds cynical, but we had far more damage done to our population during the hasty and ineffective vaccination of our population with the H1N1 vaccine that did absolutely no good but set  a lot of people up for permanent disability. Not even the virologists of the world would allow their families to be innoculated with it--the test sample was completely different than the over-laden adjuvant formulae that was eventually released without a single human trial. Precious resources could be given to nature's pharmacy and in the spirit of doing good for mankind no one should be enriched by the effort.   

Dear Dr Max, as you already know, I am with you all the way for natural cures, and calling upon our immune system to fight pathogens.  I just drove home from college; on the radio, I heard that the deaths due to Ebola is about 50% among the infected, and the vaccine may be ready by 2016!  What do you think Dr Max and friends? (From mobile.)

Naturally destroying the Ebola virus

Vitamin C in one of the best defenses against acute viral infections like Ebola. Essentially, vitamin C destroys viruses by triggering the "Fenton reaction" -- a process where viral replication is compromised. The vitamin also promotes a strong immune system, allowing for harmful invaders to be attacked and neutralized.  "There is no other substance that singularly does as much to promote increased and strong immune function as vitamin C. "Among many other effects, vitamin C directly stimulates interferon and antibody production, while effectively supercharging the functions of the white blood cells by becoming very concentrated inside those cells." Moreover, the idea that an Ebola infection is likened to acute induced scurvy, which causes intense internal bleeding and subsequent free radical death. Interestingly, vitamin C is considered the cure for scurvy. In his clinical experience, the high dosage of oral vitamin C (ascorbic acid) required to combat Ebola is unrealistic due to bowel intolerance. However, intravenous sodium ascorbate (at least 180 grams per 24 hours) is an outstanding alternative.

http://www.thrive-living.net/2014/10/Ebola-virus-natural-remedies-mainstream.html

I  agree about Vitamine C, Krishnan, but unfortunatly, and because of the fact you mentionned (toxicity at high dosage), organism protects itself of increasing concentration of vitamine by increasing kidney elimination.

For cureent life, quantity brought in correct food is sufficient for body need. Increasing vitC concentrtion can stimulate immune system functions , essentailly macrophages and PMN cells,  because of use to radical oxygen species production and redox reaction inside the cell, but in a limitated way.

However, as the body functions in infected people are very degradated, it can help to restore a better level of immunity efficiency.

Regards

Didier

You can get the Ebola virus through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected animal or human. These include blood, saliva, semen, vomit, urine, or feces.The Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe condition caused by a virus from the Filoviridae family. Coming into contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of an infected person.Handling the meat from infected animals.Contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person who has passed away. No vaccines are available till  now, so basic hygiene is of importance and a must be followed in order to prevent the onset of the condition. Simple activities like washing your hands well, drinking water from a clean source, maintaining general hygiene and cooking your meat well, can all serve as precautionary measures.

I am not a doctor, but i have been involved in hospital and health systems administration. Based on Jennifer Schneider's response, if UV light is killing the Ebola Virus, i will suggest some precautionary measures derived from this:

1. Prevention: Use UV lamps in Airports to kill the viruses on surface of clothes and on skin of people that may not be yet infected. It may decrease the risk of infection. Also use UV light lamps in hospitals and facilities that are involved in quarantine.

2. Use UV light in high dosage to kill viruses on infected people's skin. Given the surface of the body, UV exposure may at least provide some decline in virus production over the surface of the body and layers close to the skin. It may help the immune system by reducing to some extent the quantity of viruses it has to deal with.

Indeed, hygiene is the first and most important requirement to keep infections at bay as we already know for over a century. This lack of hygiene is the fundamental problem in current West Africa, hence the outbreak.

On a different note, we also know (or should know) that most of our regular 20th century medications have been derived from plants. The efforts from the pharma industry at the time to isolate the active ingredient from a plant known to have medicinal powers have made this branch of industry so large. Clearly something went wrong along the way, possibly because the commercial incentives changed to deviate from this successful path. Since the pharma are in deep troubles as a direct result from this deviation, it would be wise to return back to default: It has been established for over a decade that certain food ingredients have medicinal powers, and it only takes the effort to manufacture the active ingredients and have them properly formulated to make commercial success.  In addition to the delicious herbs and spices Max mentioned, I think  of curcumin (turmeric in curry dishes), glucosinolates (in brassica vegetables), active ingredients in dark chocolate, garlic, etc. The argument that the pharma industry is not interested for financial reasons might be true, nonetheless it is evidence of utter incompetence (driven by capatalist board members who have no clue about this type of business) at the top of this industry.

This is very disturbing, I'm not a virologist, but I think every state should take serious measures at their air and land maritime borders. Again, see why the 10% achieved by Ebola do not die?

Therefore, the scientific community with all the technological arsenal of screening and diagnosis have not been able to find a cure to this disease since 1976? It is already 47 years old?

I'd say that every country has serious measures ready, These four cases (2 in Spain and two in Texas) have been hard lesson for everybody. However, question is, if it is possible to apply them fully, because it means rather severe restriction of human rights.

Theres one, often overlooked, problem with any proactive security measure. If it is succesful and prevents disaster, there is hardly any proof it was justified. And it means usual campaingn that it was too expensive, too hard etc.

Did you read the details of the last texas event?

Dear Benamar,

Mortality is not 90 % (10% do not die) but about 50%.

Like for HIV virus, some virus lead to more difficulties to build vaccines , essentially because of  great genetic variability, so changing in the  composition of membrane proteins recognized by antibodies, and targest to produce vaccine; its the reason why the flue vaccine  in example  is built each year using strains first appearing in south of world, often australia, for north of world.

If a vaccine is built against Ebola, it could be rapidly inefficient, so virologits try to determine only proteins conserved in all strains of a virus  (in our case 6-8 ). But Virologists could precise it to us.

Researchers have the same difficulties to  build vaccines for protozoan parasitic diseases (malaria, trypanosomiasis..); in an aside:  we have to remember that 500 million people are suffuring from malaria each year in the world, with 1 millions of death; and always no efficient vaccine.

A second raison is that initial production and diffusion of vaccines coast a lot of money for industrial which are private company as already said,  (the only producing  treatment or vaccine; with few exception like Pasteur Institute in France); and they are not philanthropic organizations.

In the past (1976) Ebola was responsible for "little" localized epidemia, in few countries, so money given to research (as for malaria) was less than for other diseases. Also as said that's the point where  health policy meets politics.

However, it seems that there was a recent change in the "virulence" (capacity of spread out of the disease), and  we could  suppose it was due to a first serie of mutations in the virus for that; but perhaps also due to general changing in human life in Africa since initial passage of the virus from animals to humans:  change in migration of population ie to find seasonal work during the year; this point could be studied.

The following step could be more virus mutations (accumulation of mutation like during cancerogenesis); but at the moment (but never sure) virologists say to us that it is not the  most probable scenario.

Last point: the "allopathic" treatments.

Anti virus drugs with a general spectrum of  action (so being applied in Ebola infection) are  not numerous, the most efficient ones being used by venous infusion ;  but destroying a virus inside a cell, in the past, destroyed the cells. So intravenous treatments have  an important toxicity. These drugs are used at a moment in particular cases, like disseminated general infection in immunodeficient patients, or after grafts (calculation of the ratio benefit/ risk of drugs), but with no 100 % efficiency.

More specific anti-virus drugs have been developped essentially for HIV treatment, because based on the comprehension of the biology of the virus, and specific target adressed drugs.

So researchers have the same theorical difficulties to find specific antivirus than for vaccine fabrication.

To resume, many reasons to respond to your question.

Regards

Didier

So far cant do more than it has been done by many authorities in medical organization but isolation is to prevent spreading it.

Quarantine and flight bans are in order, yes. But I think much more can be done to find a preventative and also a cure if we can start thinking outside the box. Inside the box we will kill the patient before the virus.

Synopsis of a study on three medical grade essential oils:

Cinnamon

This oil was one of the three most active antibiotic essential oils overall in this study. It showed very high inhibition of S. aureus and C. albicans, high inhibition of S. enterica and E. coli, and some inhibition of K. pneumonia and P. aeruginosa. Even at only 5% of its original strength (the equivalent of one drop of essential oil in 20 drops of diluted solution), inhibition was higher than some other oils exhibited in undiluted form...The oil showed nearly complete inhibition of all organisms at the 1:1000 dilution, and exhibited high inhibition against S. aureus even at 1:5000 dilution.

Oregano

Overall, this oil was the most inhibitory against all organisms at all concentrations tested. Numerous other studies have verified the potent antibiotic qualities of oregano essential oil, and it appears that DoTerra’s product successfully exhibits these characteristics... Tube dilution analyses verified the antibiotic potency of this oil. Oregano most strongly inhibited S. aureus, C. albicans and P. aeruginosa. Even at 1:5000 dilution, this oil caused nearly complete inhibition of S. aureus and C. albicans, and 70% or greater inhibition against these same organisms at 1:10,000 dilution.

Thyme

Thyme essential oil was one of the three most potent oils overall against the microbes tested in this study using the Kirby-Bauer method. Again, strongest effects were seen against S. aureus and C. albicans, with a medium-range inhibition of most other microbes. Lowest inhibition was seen against P. aeruginosa...In tube dilution studies, interestingly thyme essential oil proved to be the most inhibitory overall against the largest number of microbes....Most impressively, thyme inhibited E. coli nearly 100% even at a concentration of 1:5000 (the equivalent of approximately one drop of oil in 8 fluid ounces of water).

Conclusion

One of the beauties of essential oils as antibiotics is the fact that these oils come from dynamic, living systems. Unlike artificial chemicals manufactured in the laboratory, essential oils are complex mixtures of chemicals that change subtly over time to reflect a plant’s responses to its environment and its evolutionary adaptations. This may be one key to overcoming microbial resistance—use drugs like essential oils that are dynamic enough to overcome a microbe’s defenses. Plants are constantly adapting to a host of pathogens, environmental stressors and evolutionary pressures. Since humans and plants evolve together in the same environments and are subject to many of the same types of stress, that powerful mixture of chemicals in essential oils may be highly useful in the human body for a multitude of beneficial effects, including the fight against microbes.

Dear Didier

Thank you for your relevant answers that, yes, it's pretty hard to find a vaccine or a drug for Ebula. But, perhaps, the rich countries should head south (poor countries) to help promote development in the field of health, lifestyle, etc .....

Thanks Benamar,

and yes not "should head ...", but "have to...".

At the same time , it's a question of ethic when you are a physician, and also because we are all "'linked" in the world, especially if we look at  the  circulation of populations.

And what we do to help other countries  is a help for us too, if our motivation wouldn't be only altruistic. It's a question of intelligence and good sense.

And my brother (Ronan JAMBOU), specialized in Malaria, is used to "convince" industrials to finance research on  "neglected" diseases when discussing about funds .

Regards

Didier

During antimicrobial testing with a series of essential oils from cinnamon, oregano, and thyme among others (several years back), we found some of them with some activity against mycobacteria, but tended to cause lysis of red blood cells, and degranulation of both neutrophils and mast cells at concentrations similar to the MIC. We did not follow up further as it appeared toxicity would be a limiting factor. It seems for now, the best public health response that can be mustered is the only defense there is to further spread. A vaccine of at least modest efficacy is still many months away, even if those currently in phase I testing prove to be safe. Public health approach needs to buy time until then.

Dear all

I hope and believe, as most of us do that;

The people and organisations responsible for finding answers are on the alert and doing their job for whatever reasons in the end.

Logic 1: When the skin is fully moisturised (moisturise, moisturise, moisturise) with a good thick moisturiser (Fatty cream/s), the skin gets into a protective mode more than when it is dry (barrier method). Skin has millions of pores and when raw and when not healthy (moisturised) is an invitation to problems and disease that could easily penetrate it. Therefore, one must keep one's skin moisturised well and keep the body openings elsewhere (like eyes with goggles) covered appropriately.

Logic 2: Those viruses that live and multiply in our bodies need our normal average pH (acidity, or alkalinity). Even a few minutes change in this pH to a lower , or a higher level would logically cause an effective damage to the viruses. Changing the pH with intermittent supplementation of higher doses of either vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), or Soda bicarb (alkali) would be a way to prevent such disease, or it's complications. It is likely that very high continuous doses of one of these intravenously in proven sick people would be logical, especially when there is no treatment recommended so far.

My experience with Dengue outbreaks in India suggests the logic 2 as above. 99% of the people suffering from early Dengue improved in 3 - 5 days, and had no complication (thrombocytopenia) when they were given 1 gm of vitamin C three times a day for 5 days.

Thank you Max for the question and the concern. I wish I could go to Africa and help people there suffering from this disease. Does anyone know how to organise to be there to serve the people in difficulty?

Suresh, the Vitamin C approach needs to be tried, that is for sure. In my experience it would be a good preventative measure. So would zinc picolinate and I have friends that are convinced a good grade of colloidal silver would be the answer. In all cases of these approaches, including the medical grade cinnamon, oregano, and thyme these are far better answers in the preventative column than simply telling the public not to panic. The wrong vaccine will weaken immunology in too many, so using that approach with changing nothing else has been ineffective in the face of strong, nearly unstoppable viruses.  The truth of the matter is that unhealthy bodies are the first to contract contagious diseases and die. Therefore, it would be a responsible course for public health agencies to advise the population everywhere to get healthy: stop microwaving their food (using instead convection, etc.) and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis; to stop using tobacco, alcohol, high caffeine, and minimize if not eliminate over processed foods and food additives that weaken the body. The pH factor is important--bodies in acidosis state, as most Americans are today, have little natural defenses to contagions of any kind. In fact, there is an entire school of thought, a credible one I might add that has its roots in Aryvedic and other ancient philosophies that offending bacteria only causes illness in humans to the degree their immunology is not healthy. This might seem senseless to those who believe in the sterile, mechanistic medicine of our day, but when the sterile, mechanistic medicine has absolutely no viable answer for protecting the public from something like Ebola, it is time to start listening to voices like Hippocrates who said, "Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food"--echoed time and again by others over the ages. In each age, the Zeigeist of their time ridiculed that approach--but historical evidence overwhelmingly supports Hippocrates et al. far more than it does the mechanistic, closed systems medical model. So the question arises: What is different about the physiology and immunology of the 30% who survive Ebola from the 70% that do not? The answer to that question is what public health agencies ought to be advising those they serve in my book.       

Kevin, thank you for your informed insights. You might have noticed that each time I have raised the EO possibility it has been framed as "medical grade"--in other words, testing with the doTerra EOs might render a different, less toxic outcome, as we have seen from the primilary data coming from Vandebilt and elsewhere versus the standard commercial grades of oils. We find tremendous differences in outcomes in a number of areas of research in natural substances, such as garlic, gingko biloba, Echinacea Angusifolia, colloidal silver, vitamin E, D2 vs D3, etc...the results vary so greatly that we often wonder if we are talking about the same substances. Do you have insights into the various sources of EOs that might shed light on the question of antibiotic efficacy? One researcher that was involved in the doTerra project told me that "no bacteria or virus can live with cinnamon".My observation is ANY antimicrobial substance produced by standard pharmaceutics that would be strong enough to kill powerful, fast growing microbes will by necessity be much more toxic to the body than anything we see in studies on organic studies.  

As the disease is not curable by the medicines currently available and  the one which worked/cured two physicians is scarce or even not yet available on market, the only solution at the moment is to control the spread of the virus by minimizing or completely diminishing the contact areas and contact persons including family members of an identified victim.

A minimal and optimal number of people to be involved in an area of an identified victim. Those who involve in a case should be extremely protected from any type of exposure and contact to the outside while they work there. At the same time governments cooperating with physicians, pharmaceutical companies and  scientific communities should fund a research to produce in plenty the medicine that worked well and cured the two patients.

Last, as long as we  live in this interconnected and up close world where a person from one corner of the world can be in an other corner in hours, a sudden occurrence of any type of new disease such as Ebola any where on earth should be taken seriously by all world governments in particular wealthy countries, research and scientific centers, to be proactively engaged to fund research to study it and find a cure for the disease and control the spread.   

There seems to be some research on kinase inhibitors and modulation of heme-oxygenase to suppress viruses like Ebola- Genistein, is one natural kinase inhibitor as well as curcurmin and quercetin and curcurmin can modulate heme-oxygenase.  Elderflower or sambucus as well as licorice also has anti-viral properties against enveloped viruses including filovirus like ebola.  Given the hemorrhagic nature- vitamin C is essential and good nutrition.  Its most important to address the social, economic and political  issues of corporate greed and control  that have led to such poor health and immunity- obesity, poor diet, inequality, poverty, chronic stress,  environmental toxin burden etc. 

this is a very simple ill,i can treat it very well! this ill can be therapy very easy in Chinese medicine,i will analyze it as following:

In Chinese medicine, there are no virus to be exited. We only hold symptoms to diagonose,according to Ebola fever is displayed some core symptoms:fever,headace,sore throat, joint and muscle soreness,weakness,vomiting,diarrhea,redness in the eyes, swelling of the genitals, which is similar to solar symptoms in Chinese medicine."jin"and “luo” are several channels spread whole body , just like a net to connect “qi” in all body, Chinese medicine speak that blood run with “qi” run, “qi run ” drive blood run toward all body, the direction of “qi run” is from left inter leg toward up to head, then from top head fall down right body toward extern right leg, the blood and material including nutrition and digest are named “jing” in Chinese medicine, the direction of “jing run ” follow “qi run”, then body form a circle of power ,then life is got to be continue,”jing” is saved in “shen” like a pool of electric belong body ,”jing” is warmed being to change as power named “qi”, “qi” run from left toward up into first station saved into “gan”,function of ”gan” is rise “qi” into top head, in this time ,”fei” like lungs receive these power named “qi”,function of “fei” is fall down and cold “into right body, final step , “qi” is changed from power to material as “qi” is saved in “shen” like kidney but not kidney.

Ebola display fever just like change from “jing” to “qi”,as from material to power, if power is more than normal ,the fever happen is inevitable,moer power toward up to throat, sore throat is inevitable, then more power toward to eyes, redness in eyes is inevitable, more power toward to head, headache is inevitable, more power focus where, where fell pain and discomfort, more power is full of all body, especially in surface like skin, joint and muscle soreness are inevitable, internal and external “luo”,there are no channel and space to release more power, more power only toward surface of skin, which cause a bleeding rash over the entire body.

I think Chinese medicine theory to explain is very appropriate toward Ebola phenomenon, howere,I have poor term to express it very well due to my English ability and gap between Chinese medicine and western medicine,now,I want to ask what cause more power produce? Why does Ebola happen?

According to Chinese medicine theory, root or cause of ill are divided into two parts, one part is from external environment ,such as wind,cold,hot,wet,hot to top, another is from inner body relate psychology ,such as happy,anger,sad,sick,worry.Ebola happen in west Africa,wether is very hot facilitate more power in body to generate, in turn more power toward up to head from left leg to up, Chinese medicine speak that wind is root of any ill, when wind hurt body especially head, which cause skin open ,more cold power inject into body to run along net named “jing”and “luo” into whole body, then skin is closed when people go home, because wind is not exist at home, “in the meantime,fuction of ”shen” begin change material named “jing” into “power”, under function of “gan” to do, normal power mix cold power from external wind cause power rising, more power generate,howere channel named “jin”and “luo”changed thin due to cold wind, more power begin up to head along left leg to top of body, more power meet thinner channel to continue running, result could be think by everyone, joint and muscle soreness happened, sore throat happened, headache happened, more power accumulating cause chemistry reaction more sever, then fever happened, and so on. a bleeding rash over the entire body is due to more power with blood, nutrition and digest need release inside the thinner and narrow net named “jing”and “luo”.

How to therapy Ebola?

According to Chinese medicine, we give three methods:

first ,we need open surface of skin for release more power, there are two Chinese herbal medicines named “麻黄”(ephedra)and “桂枝”（guizhi）have fuction to open skin by sweat and release more power, volume of use: “麻黄”(ephedra):3g and “桂枝”（CINNAMON TWIG）:2g

second, we need reduce speed and volume run toward up to head, there are three Chinese herbal medicines named “半夏”(RHIZOMA PINELLIAE PREPARATUM),“陈皮”（Tangerine peel）and “杏仁“（Bitter Apricot Seed Semen Armeniacae Amarum）have function to fall more power as “qi”down from top head to right body so as to relax pressure of head and left body , volume of use: “半夏”(RHIZOMA PINELLIAE PREPARATUM):5g and “陈皮”（Tangerine peel）:3g, “杏仁“（Bitter Apricot Seed Semen Armeniacae Amarum）2g.

third, we need reduce fever, in fact, to reduce redundant hot power, there are two Chinese herbal medicines named “黄连”(coptis root)and “芒销”（Crystal of minerals of sulphates of Glauber's salts Natrii Sulfas Exsiccatus ）have function to reduce hot from above chest and stomach, volume of use: “黄连”(coptis root):5g and “芒销”（Crystal of minerals of sulphates of Glauber's salts Natrii Sulfas Exsiccatus ）:1g.

at last, in order to strengthen body, there are two Chinese herbal medicines named “生姜”(ginger),“大枣”（jujube）and “小米“（millet）,volume of use: “生姜”(ginger):3 thinner piece ,“大枣”（jujube）:5,and “小米“（millet）1 small cup to cook soup.

Put all above Chinese herbal medicine to a pot, add 700ml water, cook with small fire power total 40 minutes, then filter pure soup of medicine, drink it in morning and evening!

Best wish to global humans!

Thanks for sharing Max! I'm yet to read all the information presented herein. I will!

Meanwhile, an inexpensive trial with Ginger and Turmeric should commence immediately in the afflicted areas of Africa while progress is being made to find the cure with modern medicine. At least as support therapy for those suffering and are willing to try besides just quarantining them. I'm a Guinea pig for the two roots since March 2014, 3-5 grams per day in capsules. I am still around with a lot few ailments than before, as "side effects".  I've been safely consuming in meals since 1960's.The symptoms of this disease (EBOLA) are exactly what these two natural, cost-effective and safe roots have been used for since times immemorial. I believe these are both inhibitors and cure! Ginger and Turmeric are both universal safe anti-inflammatory in nature. I saw them pilled up in mounds in Indian spice markets. Plenty available! Ship them out now. Air drop them all over the affected regions with illustrative instructions in order to overcome any illiteracy. No fear of OD with this stuff, that I know of. Education is key to prevention and non-proliferation. It is in the interest of India, US, China and the rest of the world to help overcome this challenge. It does not end or go away by closing the borders, stopping flights or other means, only slows it a bit perhaps. This nature made threat to all humanity must be confronted and overcome just as many other ridiculous archaic mentalities, man made.

Attached below is a reference to the research done at the Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru  on Turmeric crystallography promoted on a 100 year commemorative calendar this year the international year of crystallography a century after the Nobel laureate father & son Bragg team. https://www.flickr.com/photos/85210325@N04/11604959265/in/set-72157645018820696

Both Turmeric and Ginger have the optimal molecular size to safely and effectively penetrate the blood brain barrier, from my understanding.

At least put the military and other volunteers going to the affected areas on a heavy dose of this stuff before and during their tenure in the region besides all the protective gear.

Sincerely,

Your Official Quack! :-)

P.S: How does ginger work its anti-inflammatory magic? Two other recent studies provide possible reasons.

A study published in the November 2003 issue of Life Sciences suggests that at least one reason for ginger's beneficial effects is the free radical protection afforded by one of its active phenolic constituents, 6-gingerol. In this in vitro (test tube) study, 6-gingerol was shown to significantly inhibit the production of nitric oxide, a highly reactive nitrogen molecule that quickly forms a very damaging free radical called peroxynitrite. Another study appearing in the November 2003 issue of Radiation Research found that in mice, five days treatment with ginger (10 mg per kilogram of body weight) prior to exposure to radiation not only prevented an increase in free radical damage to lipids (fats found in numerous bodily components from cell membranes to cholesterol), but also greatly lessened depletion of the animals' stores of glutathione, one of the body's most important internally produced antioxidants.

A study published in the February 2005 issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine sheds further light on the mechanisms of action that underlie ginger's anti-inflammatory effectiveness. In this research, ginger was shown to suppress the pro-inflammatory compounds (cytokines and chemokines) produced by synoviocytes (cells comprising the synovial lining of the joints), chrondrocytes (cells comprising joint cartilage) and leukocytes (immune cells).

http://www.iisc.ernet.in/

http://iycr2014.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/85678/CalendarIYCr2014_IISc.pdf

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=72

I just heard that medical doctors got infected too. It is a big problem we need to think collectively in order to combat it's dangerous. 

Ginger as an anti-viral is best as a fresh juice from the rhizome where the volatile oils are contained. Turmeric, though excellent used in cooking combined with healthy oils,  to be  therapeutic needs to be in a phospholipid complex like Meriva. A low GI, alkaline, anti-inflammatory diet with whole foods, fermented foods for gut immunity, polysaccharides from mushrooms like maitake and shitake, green tea, high selenium and zinc foods and adding ginger and garlic to meals will all support the immune system. Looking after our beautiful planet that grows all of these health giving plants it paramount to survival. Negativity and fear will of course negate all of this.

Possibly a solution is found:

See this link:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/spain-nursing-assistant-clear-ebola-virus-26308318

Post recovery  status:

http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/treatment/

Thank you, Shanker. This is an innoculation of the first order, and is an approach that is not unlike the elephant in the living room. The issue of a healthy individual--which probably would not describe the pre-illness state of most of those contracting Ebola--would also need to be in the mix, not to mention a near endless supply of such blood of Ebola survivors. My only concern is that both the pre-infected health state and ample and ready supply of blood of survivors for transfusion may be sorely in short supply. Not meaning to come across negatively here, as one of my long standing hopes has been that public health policy of nations would one day promote real health beyond the Pablum of meaningless advice and political correctness. Robust immune systems are not so susceptible to viruses, but ones in constant acidosis are. Then, there is the matter of prevention. Some of our commenters in this forum have already given us some preventative solutions. I would propose that those who survive such an assault as Ebola are the healthier ones. We can and should learn from them. Immunology and metabolism are at heart to a population that come out of such threats, as we see time and time again.  

Ebola awareness:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ebola-fever-virus-infection

Hi all

I  come from a social science perspective and so my research on Ebola is based around the educational sphere using mobile and electronic communication technologies.  Would be interested in hearing views in this sphere too, please.

Please find out the right medicine for the people who gets affected even the medicine that atleast reduce the severity among the affected. If anyone know the place of contact of medicine pass that message to every one at least from this scientific forum

May god help each and every persons from his mercy. The lord jesus would take all of our sins and from his blood there is a deliverence. Amen

Thanx Muhammad for your input.

Yes Shanker,

The older way, used even before vaccination, to cure infectious disease:  with antibodies contained in the serum of cured patients. And in the past, serum of such patients would be purified and used as treatment.

A good think that these antibodies are blockers, even killing  the virus.

This way can be used when no treatment is possible, in a general way  not used  because of our controlled "procedure" with quality  assurance when building vaccine (because ie you can transmit diseases from the cured  patients other than Ebola: hepatitis, HIV ...)

Perhaps, when we have no other treatment, we could revised our procedures to use these ways of treatment , rendering them before more secure.

Regards

Didier

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said the international community had woken up to the global health risk posed by the epidemic but called for help from every nation with the capacity to do so, either in funding or medical staff and supplies. Johnson Sirleaf, a former senior World Bank executive, said Ebola was having a dire economic impact in the worst affected countries, with harvests missed, markets shut and borders closed. She said the outbreak had undone much of the recovery achieved.

This disease respects no borders. It is the duty of all of us, as global citizens, to send a message that we will not leave millions of West Africans to fend for themselves against an enemy that they do not know, and against whom they have little defence

http://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/liberian-leader-say-ebola-risks-lost-generation-urges-action/ar-BB9YkTZ

I cant remember I have heard about these 42 days before. It might explain a lot.

Recent studies conducted in West Africa have demonstrated that 95% of confirmed cases have an incubation period in the range of 1 to 21 days; 98% have an incubation period that falls within the 1 to 42 day interval.

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/ebola/14-october-2014/en/

When you hear that 50%~70% infected die of Ebola. Most of us focus on the virulence of the virus and how quickly it kills. But little attention was given to those 30%~50% who survived. They should not bear the social stigma. Rather, they should be hailed to give us hope and the living proof that we don't have to die of Ebola infection.

We need to find out why those 30%~50% can control the virus. How their immune systems work differently than others? How can we boost our immunity before it spreads to our vicinity.

I think this is a wake up call for us to look beyond emergency medical treatment.

My point exactly, Xuemel. Thank you.

Muhammad Aledeh! My dad tells me his parents routinely used a small amount of ginger  powder as disinfectant in their potable water in the old days (early 1900's). He told me he wasn't sure then why they used a table spoon or so of ginger powder in drinking water filled up from the river in bronze vessels (80%+ copper). They would generally allow the water to sit a couple of days before drinking. Now I realize that both 80%+ copper bronze/brass and ginger are antiviral and antibacterial (antimicrobial) as would a little wine (alcohol) in water (for communion).

1. 80%+ copper surfaces (antimicrobial) are better than stainless steel conventional aseptic surfaces. Malleable Copper foil possibly laminated over any surface would work better than stainless steel? A simple organic solution of vinegar, lime etc. may be used to cleanse the surface. I know HIV virus can't survive more than a few microseconds or so on Copper surface. I wonder if anyone has tested EBOLA on copper surface yet? If not, why not? Seems more cost effective and safe than death, lawsuits and shine! Even the formation of patina does not inhibit the antimicrobial character of the copper surface. Just a thought!

2. Ginger may be used to disinfect potable water. But education is a different story! For this the community (local & global) and the government need to be proactively involved. Get Bollywood to make some movies for charity and educate the deep recesses of poverty. Poor people don't need to be kept ignorant as well.

3. Copper fiber in protective garments maybe? I know they use copper and zinc fibers in recovery garments for better heat transfer and firmness. e.g., Tommy Copper Garments.

4. Antimicrobial plastic perhaps? There are some fantastic advances being made in this field of materials science.

5. Our approach needs to be cautiously aggressive. This is not a "wait & see" game. We cannot afford to "wait till it mutates to a milder form" just because it is on the other side of the ocean from us for now.

6. Non-contact UV or other radiation disinfectant techniques for large areas and volumes. It is analogous to the fight against terrorism, we can't be just 99% right we need to be 100% certain. This concept would work well in the air craft AC system. Aren't they doing so already? Why not? Closed space and long inhalation times, makes sense.

7. Reconsider the concept of "Ellis Island" (New Jersey) for the incoming suspect travelers? Imagine going through a 42 day incubation period. Someone better come up with a "Star Trek" type non-contact tool to estimate risk quick! A quick blood (or bodily fluid, saliva) test with Raman spectroscopy or XRD. Has anyone crystallized EBOLA or identified a distinct "marker" yet?

Simple practical solutions as opposed to FDA, Pharmacies, Hospitals, Military, Crusades, Holy Wars, protective gears, exposure, hype, condescension, quarantine, border closings, etc.! Instead we seem to be creating "no flight" zones where people are forced to remain and suffer while the rest of us can play "God". The heroes (men & women) who ran into burning buildings on 9/11/01 in NYC weren't thinking of the carcinogens in the air or the inferno around them. However, a bit of education for & by the parents of the young men who flew the planes into the buildings may have prevented the whole incident. There are many parents still around the world that need a whole lot of education. Including the parents of the Tsarnaev brothers of Boston and those of the green bandana (with the death wish) wearing toddlers from the Gaza strip.  There are many fighting violently to keep such knowledge from their wards. I wonder what kind of protective gear the "beheaders" would require & wear for a suspected EBOLA enhanced "kefir" besides the present day "mask" to hide their own ID? Some wives may not recognize their hubbies:-)

While many are shooting for the stars and reaching Mars others are just busy blowing up cars as a farce! It is clear that the parents (and the congregation) of such fellows were either missing in action (MIA) or directly and culpably involved in the upbringing of such deviants. Sort of like the Churches and parents of many of our (US) founding fathers that actively participated or "looked the other way" at the inhumanity of enslavement and human trafficking then. Many still offer excuses for such behavior in the US nearly 1700 years after Jesus the Nazarene and his teachings. Let us not even bring up the inhumanity of conversions in South America by the Conquistadors. Modern religion must inculcate co-existence rather than confrontation in parishioners. Unfortunately, the trend is not so. Instead, we have modern day conquistadors beheading non-conformers, converting the helpless, merchandizing/enslaving women/children and blaspheming by taking on the authority of their God.

Hygiene can be taught through propaganda just as civic sense! While religion may have to be un-taught? Touching the dead EBOLA victims by family members (still practiced) is as irrational as the "untouchability" (achoot, अछूत) practiced by many Hindus in the past (some even now). Educate all! Eradicate IGNORANCE!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_properties_of_copper

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Untouchability

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Liberia

Ebola a common enemy

The world must confront Ebola in West Africa to prevent what could become one of the worst pandemics in human history, Cuban President Raul Castro said on Monday.

"I am convinced that if this threat is not stopped in West Africa with an immediate international response ... it could become one of the gravest pandemics in human history," Castro told a summit of the leftist ALBA bloc of Latin American and Caribbean countries in Havana.

http://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/world-must-stop-ebola-in-west-africa-or-face-pandemic-cubas-castro/ar-BBafNt1?ocid=mailsignout

This is a good link concerning the people who survive Ebola.  'While most of the recent coverage of the ongoing Ebola outbreak has focused on rising death tolls and a few infected U.S. citizens, other segments of the population have passed mostly unnoticed from the harsh glare of the media spotlight: Survivors, and those who are seemingly immune to Ebola.

People who survive Ebola can lead normal lives post-recovery, though occasionally they can suffer inflammatory conditions of the joints afterwards, according to CBS. Recovery times can vary, and so can the amount of time it takes for the virus to clear out of the system.

Perhaps we should focus on this research: 'Survivors are generally assumed to be immune to the particular strain they are infected by, and are able to help tend to others infected with the same strain. What isn't clear is whether or not a person is immune to other strains of Ebola, or if their immunity will last. '

http://www.popsci.com/article/science/what-happens-after-someone-survives-ebola

Perhaps there's hope by researching this area?  What do you think Dr Max and friends?  Is it worthwhile?

As with most viral infections, patients who recover from Ebola end up with Ebola-fighting antibodies in their blood, making their blood a valuable (if controversial) treatment option for others who catch the infection. Kent Brantly, one of the most recognizable Ebola survivors, has donated more than a gallon of his blood to other patients. The plasma of his blood, which contains the antibodies, is separated out from the red blood cells, creating what’s known as a convalescent serum, which can then be given to a patient as a transfusion. The hope is that the antibodies in the serum will boost the patient’s immune response, attacking the virus, and allowing the body to recover.

But this treatment method, like all Ebola treatment methods, is far from ideal. To start with, scientists aren't even sure if it works. In addition, the serum can only be donated to people with a compatible blood type to the donor, and it’s unclear how long the immunity would last. Adding to the confusion, there are several different strains of Ebola, and there’s no guarantee that once someone has recovered from one strain of Ebola they are immune to others.

http://www.popsci.com/article/science/what-happens-after-someone-survives-ebola

This interesting article from the IRD talks about an entire population with natural immunity against Ebola. They are not survivors of the disease though they bear immunity. More on : http://en.ird.fr/the-media-centre/scientific-newssheets/337-possible-natural-immunity-to-ebola

Muhammad, what an interesting overview. I had just reached the same conclusion last night while pouring over stories online: the behavioural change message printed on posters etc. are of little use to those fighting the diseases within their households. Telling a mother to stay away from their baby who is vomiting blood is illogical when medical personal cannot be there to assist! These types of messages totally ignore the resources and manpower that the country and population have at their disposal. What a waste of money to print these posters and leaflets out!!! 

It makes me wonder whether the health officials obtain any feedback from the community or whether they continue distributing ineffective promotional materials regardless of the outcome?

Technically, yes, survivors' blood does have viral-fighting antibodies and can be used for treatment. But this is still lagging. First, the amount is limited. IVIG requires high dose. Depending on the recipient, it may or may not work.  Second, even if we can clone those B cells from the survivors and can massively produce them (those take quite a while) , the virus is constantly changing. It is very hard to keep up. 

My question is why those survivors can produce the antibody? Why not the others? 

The answer lies in the natural immunity that we all have and the balance between the immune system and all the bacteria and virus that we are carrying every day. We are only 10% of human in cell number. The rest 90% are all microorganisms we carry peacefully. When you are get a cold, it is not necessarily someone else give you a large dose of virus, it is the tipping of the balance between the immune system and your internal and external environment.

Many things can ruin the balance, mental and physical stress, diet, just to name a few. Our research shows that just putting mice on high fat diet for a few days to couple of weeks, it affects the immune functions of those B cells that produce natural antibodies. But this is just a tip of the iceberg of the vast complicated immune net work. It is very hard to deal with each and single cell type and molecule of the immune system. Why not just simple keep the balance and let the immune system work on its full speed?

It will not make it to the news if I tell you to reduce the mental and physical stress in your life, eat healthy and be happy in order to protect yourself in case of Ebola pandemic. But for those who believe in this, you'd better start ASAP. 

Don't panic (that's a lethal stress) and keep what you've been doing to balance your immune system if you ever get to encounter Ebola. Then you will have a better chance to survive once infected...

Hi all

Did you see the latest news item about beating Ebola?

Here it is: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/ebola-nigeria-declared-ebolafree-in-spectacular-success-story-using-simple-trick/story-fneuzlbd-1227097014468 

Any validity to this?

Dear Miranda

I think it is a major operation, which requires adherence of governments (Ministries of Health) led by the United Nations (WHO).

The best thing to do now is prevention until they find a cure.

What Happens After Someone Survives Ebola?

Learning more about patients who've recovered from Ebola -- as well as people who are naturally immune -- could save lives.

“Being able to reliably identify naturally immune patients is still a ways off, but Bellan and his fellow researchers hope that by studying the current outbreak and looking for asymptomatic individuals, they might be able to save lives in the future”

All of the above don't help me getting rid of my cynicism. As it turns out, simple hygiene and keeping the patients hydrated has helped Nigeria to beat the bug. The neighboring countries will have to follow suit, but instead, they are being meddled by foreign troops and "aid" who print useless posters and are merely being in the way (preventing people to migrate to developed countries I presume). I sincerely start to wonder if these international efforts are on purpose to keeping the steady state. After all, we need to keep the starving children with flies in their faces at least once a year on the tv in order to get the international aid continued......This is going on for at least 50 years. There is economic interest to keep Africa underdeveloped. Aid and weapon trade go hand in hand. Ebola is exposing the travesty.

The report that Nigeria seems to have won the battle having now enjoyed four weeks free of further cases, fills the world with hope and joy. Much more has to be done in terms of research for a viable cure.

Incidentally, the measures taken in Nigeria seem to go along the lines of my earlier post:

"...a serious thought should be put into establishing a sort of embargo in reverse but regarding the movement of people (not of goods) for the areas affected by the pandemic outbreak. In other words a serious control of the movement of people should be enforced, especially when dealing with fast means of transportation. At the same time, all the help (and manpower) sent over should be organized in a standardized way following precise safety protocols constantly improved as knowledge of more details become available..."

Dear Jan is it maybe because at Nigeria was no Z-Ebola but other les dangerous strains?  The Spanish nurse got Z-Ebola, the most dangerous from Sierra Leona, and now today  she is finally  free of virus after the fourth PCR test. She got ZMAB (not ZMAPP) but also plasma from survivors and her strong attitude, according to the physicians who are caring her.

Dear Jose,

All that is required is introduction of fresh clean water and sanitary facilities (including closed sewage) plus a bit of education to prevent the spread of ebola virus (or any other pathogen for that matter!). If international aid had any sincerity, such facilities would have been introduced many decades ago (when ebola started to emerge). Do we see them installed now?

It seems that Nigerian case is based on remarkable combination of bad luck, good luck, readiness and quarantine. With regard to single items:

Small detail for Tomy: Nigeria is an oil-producing country and therefore it has a different status to the developed world compared to its neighbors. For this reason there are sufficient resources to keep hygiene and medical alertness to a higher level without having to rely on foreign aid. Nothing to do with ebola and its different strains. Nonetheless, like all African countries, there are/have been ethnic tensions in Nigeria as well (see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13951696), easily ignited by incitements. And there is the local branch of "Islamic" terror here called Boko Haram. Enough for the developed world to keep Nigeria's level of civilization at bay. Nothing to do with ebola though, but everything to do with the first world protecting its interests by keeping Africa underdeveloped. This is why the ebola virus causes an outbreak from time to time (since 1976). The current outbreak is far out the biggest so far (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ebola_outbreaks) and there must be reasons for this unprecedented scale compared to the previous outbreaks. I rest my case.

The very first line of defense for an epidemic is CONTAINMENT. This must be strictly practiced ASAP. I have not seen much of this happening.

@ Jan: I didnt intend to type study on geopolitics, just to deal a bit with the sample of single and clearly identified  index case in order to find, at least in general way, similarities, differences and possible system failures, nothing more.

Dear All: In the 2010 two virologists applied for a US patent on the Ebola virus. It was granted in 2012 and is managed by the CDC. I've inquired as to the purpose in patenting a naturally occurring microorganism and was told it was to keep a private company from doing the same and profiting from the research that is done on it. I am not sure why the reasoning nor the outcome that has transpired therefrom, but then when two Australian virologists traced the H1N1 back to to a government-financed lab a few years ago in Rogers, Arkansas, suggesting it was not a naturally occurring virus, raising yet more questions. In the early 1970s there were reports of man made viruses being produced both in the former Soviet Union and the United States. Someone came into my office a few days ago suggesting that this one got its start in a government lab. I do not claim any credence to this report, but am wondering among our commenters and observers of this Question, do you know anything on this? I know what the current literature says and it could be stating the case or someone's opinion. We do not know. But thought I would raise the question in case someone out there can shed some light on the matter. Thank you.  

Man-made? What could be the purpose of developing such a deadly virus?? Biological war ???

"Enough for the developed world to keep Nigeria's level of civilization at bay. Nothing to do with ebola though, but everything to do with the first world protecting its interests by keeping Africa underdeveloped". If this was true then the responsibility is no longer with the indigenous people. They would then be bereft of self-determination :-(

How does one "contain" independent, sovereign, self-determined nations? Or the birds, the bees and the animals? I'm surprised this has not become an issue until now.

What really helped us in Nigeria was awareness of the people of  signs and symptoms of the disease. There was publicity about the disease and mobile numbers to contact appropriate quarter should one is infested were made available. The ministry of Health also did not take it lightly. By divine arrangement, school children through which the virus could easily spread were on Holiday. Delay in resumption in our schools was another way by which its spread was curtailed. Containment helps a lot.

Nigeria: Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (deceased 19 Aug 2014, Ebola)

"As the head of operations at First Consultants, Adadevoh was praised for being the first to detect that Sawyer, who was admitted at First Consultants for five days before his death, was not being truthful when he denied that he was infected with the Ebola virus.

After he had tested negative for malaria and other diseases, she was said to have ordered that his blood be tested for Ebola. It was the positive result of the test that enabled the hospital to contact the Lagos State health authorities about the first Ebola patient in the country."

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ebola-strikes-at-the-heart-of-nigeria-ameyo-daughter-of-kwaku-adadevoh-great-grand-daughter-of-herbert-macaulay-dies/186843/