Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

WHO Says Ebola Fight Is Catching Up; Expert Explains Science Behind Patient Recoveries

After previously warning that <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/ebola">Ebola</a></span> was "outpacing us," <span>WHO</span> Director-General <span>Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus</span> said on Thursday that "we are catching up" as efforts to contain the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo show progress.

A total of 381 Ebola cases have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including 63 deaths. Uganda has reported 16 confirmed cases. Meanwhile, the number of suspected cases has fallen from more than 1,000 last week to 116 as health teams work through the backlog.

“What I saw gave me hope,” Ghebreyesus said at a press conference.

“The outbreak had a big head start, and we're still behind, but under the leadership of the Government of DRC, we are catching up,” he added.

Importantly, he noted that six people in the DRC and two in Uganda have recovered to date, “showing that people can survive Ebola if they have access to care and go to health facilities as soon as they show symptoms.”

The latest outbreak is caused by the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/russias-new-ebola-vaccine-to-protect-against-rare-bundibugyo-strain-says-health-minister-article-154406369" data-type="tilCustomLink">Bundibugyo strain</a> of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently neither a vaccine nor an antiviral <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/bundibugyo-ebola-outbreak-who-identifies-experimental-treatments-vaccines-article-154426784" data-type="tilCustomLink">treatment</a>. So how are patients recovering?

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National IMA COVID Task Force and Past President of the Indian Medical Association, Cochin, told HealthandMe that a combination of factors—including the virus strain, access to medical care, and individual immune responses—can significantly influence whether a patient survives the disease.

Ebola virus disease is a severe illness caused by different strains of the Ebola virus. The current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain, which has a lower mortality rate than the more lethal Zaire strain responsible for several previous outbreaks, he said.

“The mortality of Ebola virus disease is tied to several components,” Dr. Rajeev explained.

<h2>Early Medical Care Improves Survival</h2>

One of the most important factors is access to early medical attention and supportive care. Patients who receive prompt treatment at well-equipped healthcare facilities staffed by experienced healthcare workers have a much greater chance of survival.

However, such healthcare access is often limited in outbreak-affected regions of Africa due to ongoing conflicts and socioeconomic challenges.

“The chance of survival is much higher if a person receives good medical attention and early supportive care,” he said.

<h2>Bundibugyo Strain vs Zaire Strain</h2>

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ebola-bundibugyo-strain-all-you-should-know-about-the-rare-virus-article-154341776" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ebola Bundibugyo Strain: All You Should Know About The Rare Virus</a>

The strain of the virus also plays a critical role. Dr. Rajeev said that because the Bundibugyo strain is less lethal than the Zaire strain, more infected individuals are expected to survive under similar conditions.

“If a hundred people get infected with the Zaire strain and another hundred with the Bundibugyo strain, more people in the Bundibugyo group will survive, all other conditions remaining the same,” he said.

Another important factor is the body's immune response, which varies from person to person. Dr. Rajeev highlighted the role of human leukocyte antigens (HLA), proteins that help the immune system recognize and respond to invading pathogens. Because each individual's HLA profile is unique, people infected with the same virus can generate different immune responses.

“HLA works closely with the immune system by presenting pieces of the virus to immune cells, helping the body build a targeted response,” he said.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ebola-alert-in-india-rajasthan-reports-first-suspected-case-of-deadly-virus-article-154465112" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ebola Alert In India: Rajasthan, Hyderabad Report Suspected Cases of Deadly Virus</a> 

This biological diversity is one reason why the same infection can affect individuals differently. It is also considered an evolutionary safeguard that helps prevent a single pathogen from devastating the entire human population.

Dr. Rajeev also pointed to a simple statistical reality. “If the mortality rate in the current outbreak is around 30 per cent, that means about 70 per cent of infected individuals are expected to survive,” he said.

According to the expert, survival often results from a combination of favorable factors, including infection with a less lethal strain, timely medical care, a strong immune response, and the overall probability of recovery within a given outbreak.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

who-says-ebola-fight-is-catching-up-expert-explains-science-behind-patient-recoveries

Ebola

Bundibugyo Ebola

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Ebola outbreak

Ebola recovery

canadas-healthcare-crisis-how-easing-immigration-barriers-could-help

Canada's Healthcare Crisis: How Easing Immigration Barriers Could Help

national-medical-commission-orders-strict-safe-injection-practices-in-india-heres-why-its-important

National Medical Commission Orders Strict Safe Injection Practices In India: Here's Why It's Important

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

After previously warning that Ebola was "outpacing us," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday that "we are catching up" as efforts to contain the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo show progress.A total of 381 Ebola cases have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including 63 deaths. Uganda has reported 16 confirmed cases. Meanwhile, the number of suspected cases has fallen from more than 1,000 last week to 116 as health teams work through the backlog.WHO Sees Signs of Progress“What I saw gave me hope,” Ghebreyesus said at a press conference.“The outbreak had a big head start, and we're still behind, but under the leadership of the Government of DRC, we are catching up,” he added.Importantly, he noted that six people in the DRC and two in Uganda have recovered to date, “showing that people can survive Ebola if they have access to care and go to health facilities as soon as they show symptoms.”Why Are Patients Recovering?The latest outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently neither a vaccine nor an antiviral treatment. So how are patients recovering?Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National IMA COVID Task Force and Past President of the Indian Medical Association, Cochin, told HealthandMe that a combination of factors—including the virus strain, access to medical care, and individual immune responses—can significantly influence whether a patient survives the disease.Ebola virus disease is a severe illness caused by different strains of the Ebola virus. The current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain, which has a lower mortality rate than the more lethal Zaire strain responsible for several previous outbreaks, he said.“The mortality of Ebola virus disease is tied to several components,” Dr. Rajeev explained.Early Medical Care Improves SurvivalOne of the most important factors is access to early medical attention and supportive care. Patients who receive prompt treatment at well-equipped healthcare facilities staffed by experienced healthcare workers have a much greater chance of survival.However, such healthcare access is often limited in outbreak-affected regions of Africa due to ongoing conflicts and socioeconomic challenges.“The chance of survival is much higher if a person receives good medical attention and early supportive care,” he said.Bundibugyo Strain vs Zaire StrainAlso read: Ebola Bundibugyo Strain: All You Should Know About The Rare VirusThe strain of the virus also plays a critical role. Dr. Rajeev said that because the Bundibugyo strain is less lethal than the Zaire strain, more infected individuals are expected to survive under similar conditions.“If a hundred people get infected with the Zaire strain and another hundred with the Bundibugyo strain, more people in the Bundibugyo group will survive, all other conditions remaining the same,” he said.Difference In Immune Response Another important factor is the body's immune response, which varies from person to person. Dr. Rajeev highlighted the role of human leukocyte antigens (HLA), proteins that help the immune system recognize and respond to invading pathogens. Because each individual's HLA profile is unique, people infected with the same virus can generate different immune responses.“HLA works closely with the immune system by presenting pieces of the virus to immune cells, helping the body build a targeted response,” he said.Also read: Ebola Alert In India: Rajasthan, Hyderabad Report Suspected Cases of Deadly Virus This biological diversity is one reason why the same infection can affect individuals differently. It is also considered an evolutionary safeguard that helps prevent a single pathogen from devastating the entire human population.The Role of ProbabilityDr. Rajeev also pointed to a simple statistical reality. “If the mortality rate in the current outbreak is around 30 per cent, that means about 70 per cent of infected individuals are expected to survive,” he said.According to the expert, survival often results from a combination of favorable factors, including infection with a less lethal strain, timely medical care, a strong immune response, and the overall probability of recovery within a given outbreak.

who says ebola fight is catching up; expert explains science behind patient recoveries

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

WHO Says Ebola Fight Is Catching Up; Expert Explains Science Behind Patient Recoveries

Ebola Alert In India: Rajasthan, Hyderabad Report Suspected Cases of Deadly Virus

Ovarian Cancer: UK NHS Rolls Out First Major Drug In Over 20 Years

Can Testosterone Fight Brain Tumour?

Health Conditions A-Z

WHO Says Ebola Fight Is Catching Up; Expert Explains Science Behind Patient Recoveries

Canada's Healthcare Crisis: How Easing Immigration Barriers Could Help

National Medical Commission Orders Strict Safe Injection Practices In India: Here's Why It's Important