Ebola still affects survivors after they recover
25 Feb 2016 by Evoluted New Media
With Ebola survivor Pauline Cafferkey hospitalised after complications with her recovery from the infection, US scientists are to present results suggesting Ebola survivors’ brains can still be affected at least six months after infection.
With Ebola survivor Pauline Cafferkey hospitalised after complications with her recovery from the infection, US scientists are to present results suggesting Ebola survivors’ brains can still be affected at least six months after infection.
82 Ebola survivors from the recent outbreaks were studied by scientists as part of a larger ongoing study known as Prevail III. Chronic neurologic issues observed at least six months after infection included memory loss, headaches and depressive moods. Muscle pain as well as hallucinations and suicidal feelings were also noted. These findings will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s Annual Meeting at Vancouver in April.
Lauren Bowen, study author, from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, said: “While an end to the outbreak has been declared, these survivors are still struggling with long-term problems. More than 28,600 people were infected with Ebola in West Africa during the outbreak. Of that number, 11,300 died.”
Ms Cafferkey was flown to the Royal Free hospital in London after suffering complications from her initial infection with Ebola in April 2014. This is the third time she has been in hospital as a result of the virus.
The study also revealed abnormal eye movements, tremors and abnormal reflexes. The Prevail III study is monitoring patients that have been infected with Ebola, using their close contacts as study controls – which will allow them to determine which of the symptoms experienced were directly as a result of Ebola.
Bowen said: “In collaboration with the ongoing PREVAIL III natural history study of Ebola survivors, we wanted to find out more about possible continued long-term brain health problems for the more than 17,000 survivors of the infection as it is important for us to know how this virus may continue to affect the brain long term.”
The World Health Organisation, declared Liberia, the last country to be affected by the virus, Ebola free in January this year.
