LAB FINDINGS

The symptoms are how Ebola manifests outwardly, but the disease does incredible damage to your overall body chemistry. This is reflected in various lab tests, most results of which can be available in a relatively short time (if the lab has the proper equipment).

The information received from laboratory findings aids physicians in determining how much overall damage Ebola has caused in patients, and alerts them to other conditions that may arise as a result of the infection. We’ll get more into the “aftereffects” of Ebola in the next chapter.

NOW YOU KNOW…

The symptoms of Ebola are very similar to the flu and malaria. Because the signs and symptoms are similar, Ebola can go undiagnosed, which creates a number of issues. This increases the possibility of Ebola spreading to anyone the patient may come in contact with after being misdiagnosed. If someone seems to exhibit any of the symptoms of Ebola, it is essential that they be tested and receive medical attention as soon as possible.

4. Diagnosis & Treatment

Now that Ebola has infiltrated our national health infrastructure, it is important not to instantly panic and believe you have contracted Ebola because you live in Atlanta or Dallas or that you recently sat with a friendly Liberian on an airplane. Panic is as bad as complacency when it comes to epidemics.

Yes, keep aware of the signs. Keep vigilant about washing your hands and pay attention to people you encounter over the course of your day. And if you have any doubts at all, please see your doctor.

Ebola can only be diagnosed by a physician after tests have been done on your blood, urine, and so forth. The CDC is working to ensure that health‑care professionals run these tests on anyone who might seem suspect.

Be mindful, however, that you will be told that not everyone who comes into hospitals exhibiting symptoms similar to those of Ebola will be tested for Ebola. Remember that the signs and symptoms of the disease are similar to so many other diseases, especially in the first week of having those symptoms. There have been many cases of people being tested for Ebola who end up not having the disease. Recently, a pair was taken to New York’s Bellevue Hospital as they were exhibiting signs of illness. In the last two months, Bellevue alone has handled at least twenty‑nine suspected cases of Ebola. None of the patients actually had the deadly virus. The official statement made by Bellevue hospital reads:

There are no patients at Bellevue with Ebola. Two patients there this morning were evaluated and it was quickly determined they did not have the virus. Because of the heightened alert, hospitals will be using enhanced scrutiny and an abundance of caution when reviewing questionable cases, and are meticulously following all public health and CDC protocols.

If you have reason to believe you could have Ebola, it’s crucial that you bring those reasons with you to your examination, including travel documentation or any evidence you may have that may connect you to a person known to have contracted Ebola. Without a convincing argument, it’s possible you won’t be tested for Ebola. Hospitals will claim they simply don’t have the resources to test everyone for the disease. Be sure to go to the hospital or doctor’s office prepared to state your case.