Ebola Reston Virus or Reston Ebolavirus from Animals has Invaded Humans
The Ebola Reston Virus, also known as Reston Ebolavirus, Asian Filovirus or Reston virus, is a virus that has been discovered among crab-eating monkeys of the Philippines. In 1989, it was named Ebola Reston virus because it resembles the appearance of the Ebola virus and was discovered in Reston, Virginia. The virus was first seen by Hazleton Laboratories in the United States of America and was seen on tissue samples of crab-eating Macaques, short-tailed monkeys, imported from the Philippines. The virus was mildly fatal to monkeys. In January 2009, the Ebola Reston virus has been found to infect pigs in the Philippines, too. It was known not to attack humans until cases in the Philippines have been confirmed.
As of 30th January 2009, the Reston Ebolavirus or Ebola Reston virus has invaded humans. It was suspected to have transferred form pigs to humans but the mode or process of transmission is still unknown. The Philippines’ health department has announced that five individuals were confirmed to have carried the virus. These people were among 50 men who were tested due to risk of exposure from two quarantined hog farms in the Philippines. These men had direct contact with pigs that could possibly be the source of transfer. Despite having been contaminated, these five men never displayed signs of serious illness for the past 12 months.
The positive test result has confirmed invasion of the Ebola Reston Virus (ERV) to humans but was non-pathogenic. Exposure to ERV doesn’t mean these men were infected by it. These five men were contaminated but they developed antibodies. The human blood samples were positive of ERV IgG antibodies that confirm exposure to Ebola Reston virus for more than six months. The results indicate that these men’s immune system fought the virus and no longer carry it. Thus, they were only contaminated but not infected. This means, they do not have or carry the virus and do not pose threat of infecting others so there is no need for quarantine.
As preventive means, the agriculture and health department requested hog raisers to report sudden unexplained deaths among their pigs. The departments also recommended the use biosecurity measures that are necessary not only in pig farms but in slaughter houses as well.
The Ebola strain among humans scares the public and might affect the pork industry. At the press release, the health department declared that pork is still safe to eat provided that it is handled properly. The meat purchased must be from legitimate hog dealers. The slaughtered pig must also contain the National Meat Inspection Service seal. Buyers should be cautious enough to notice double-dead meat. Most importantly, cook the meat thoroughly. So, don’t be afraid to eat pork. Just take the necessary precautions.
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Tags: Ebola Reston Virus, Ebola Reston Virus From Pigs, health, health tips, Reston Ebolavirus, Reston Ebolavirus From Pigs
I’ve heard the news about this Fren..nakakatakot kahit di nakakamatay kasi wala pang nahanap na cure..
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jessie Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 am
Fren,
That is true. The African ebola virus is the real deadly one for humans. The Ebola Reston virus in the Philippines can still be cured by regular antibiotics (for humans). For animals, the Ebola Reston virus is fatal. There is already a growing concern on the possibility of epidemic in pig farms.
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