Doctor, Doctor...
By Dave Hall
For all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.
This week: EBOLA VIRUS.
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Condition – This famous condition, causing Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is named after the Ebola River Valley in the Democratic Republic of Congo. No animal reservoir capable of sustaining the virus between outbreaks has been identified, but experts believe fruit bats are the most likely candidates. Whatever gives it to you, you don’t want it.
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Contagion – In the early stages it might not be so contagious, but as the illness gets worse, bodily fluids from diarrhoea, vomiting and bleeding represent an extreme biohazard.
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| Danger of death – Mortality rates generally range from 50% - 90% with the cause of death usually due to hypovolemic shock or organ failure. It’s also a biosafety 'level 4' agent and a category 'A' bio-terrorism agent to boot. This means it's bad. Really bad. |  |
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Incurability? – Ebola is potentially lethal and no approved vaccine or treatment is available – enough said.
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Likelihood of getting time off work – Very high, no one will want to be near you unless you’re surrounded by plate glass. Also bear in mind that the time from symptoms to death is usually between 7 and 14 days, so you ain’t got long.
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| Brag-ability – If you survive, you’ll want to tell everyone and be the toast of the city, but if you don’t, you’re the toast. |
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Overall ridiculousness – Far from ridiculous if you end up in a field hospital in former Zaïre, flat on your back with blood oozing from your eye – still one of the most serious diseases out there. |
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More conditions to come soon:
Fatal Insomnia, The Common Cold and more.
Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a Phunny Phobia to keep you going?
Photo: CDC, USA.
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