In 1976, researchers first identified a frightening virus that had emerged in the African nation then known as Zaire. The source of this fast-moving, destructive disease remains unknown, but Ebola is believed to have spread to humans from apes, monkeys and bats. There have been several Ebola outbreaks since 1976, primarily in African countries, though the disease has been found in animals originating from Asia as well.  

The most consequential outbreak became a worldwide epidemic: Beginning in Guinea in 2013, the disease spread to other West African countries and later Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States, eventually killing more than 11,000 people over a period of two and a half years. 

What Is Ebola? 

Viewed through a microscope, Ebola looks somewhat like a worm that’s knotted and looped at one end. Like many diseases, it may not be easily recognized by its symptoms, since it shares early symptoms common in many other diseases, including those that indicate a far less serious condition. These symptoms may appear up to three weeks after exposure to the virus and include: 

• Fever 
• Sore throat 
• Aches 
• Fatigue 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Unusual bruising 
• Bleeding from multiple orifices

How Ebola Enters the Body 

Humans can contract the virus through contact with infected animal blood and tissue, often via hunting and eating carriers of the disease or being bitten by one of them. The infected individual may then expose others to the disease through their bodily fluids, which can enter the body through a wound, the mucous membranes of the face, or intimate contact. Even a person who has died from Ebola can remain contagious, so their bodies must be handled with care.  

What Ebola Does Once Inside the Body  

Ebola immediately attacks the immune system that was designed to fight it, leaving immune cells unresponsive, then rapidly replicates itself and spreads through the bloodstream. Other infected immune cells throughout the body cause clots that rob organs of essential blood. The virus does some of its most catastrophic damage by inhibiting plasma production, though other organs and systems are also impacted as the disease makes its way through the body.  

Many patients die from Ebola: up to 90%, with an average of 50%. Having quality medical care and a strong immune system can increase one’s odds of recovery. End-stage symptoms may include brain inflammation and organ failure. Medical experts believe that Ebola survivors may develop some immunity, as antibodies stay in their blood for up to a decade.  

Discover How Disease and Other Factors Affect Our Body Systems 

As you’ve seen, Ebola can wreak havoc throughout the body, impacting many organs and often resulting in death. The University of Florida is proud to offer two entirely online Master of Science programs that provide different perspectives on the body systems, their organs and factors that can affect them:  

Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology 

Acquire a comprehensive scientific understanding of key human body systems, delve into the effects of drugs on living organisms at cellular and molecular tiers, and explore both normal and abnormal conditions in human body systems. Finish this 30-credit degree program in as little as two semesters. 

Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Medical Physiology and Aging 

Develop a more expansive and profound understanding of the biological processes associated with aging. Finish this 30-credit degree program in as little as one year. 

Students who have completed a science-oriented bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution and meet the other requirements are invited to apply to these master’s degree programs! Both empower you to: 

• Prepare for the MCAT. 
• Get started with no GRE requirement. 
• Earn your degree with no campus or lab visits. Cut your time to completion by transferring credits from a UF graduate certificate program: 
  • Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology (9-14 credits) 
  • Graduate Certificate in Cardiovascular/Renal Physiology (12 credits) 

A Path to Higher Earnings 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median earnings of those who hold a master’s degree are about 16% higher than those whose highest education credential is a bachelor’s degree. BLS data also shows that graduate degree holders are more likely to remain employed. Our medical physiology master’s degrees can be your path to higher earnings and greater job security! 

A Flexible, High-Quality Learning Experience 

We offer our master’s degree and graduate certificate programs through an asynchronous online format that enables you to complete coursework at your own pace from just about anywhere in the world. This flexibility makes it possible for you to earn one or more graduate credentials without taking time away from your daily professional and personal commitments. What’s more, our programs are as comprehensive as they are convenient and feature a robust curriculum taught by the same acclaimed faculty who teach our medical physiology programs on campus. 

Bring the benefits of a master’s degree in medical physiology to your career! 

Sources:
https://time.com/3502740/ebola-virus-1976/
https://www.itg.be/en/health-stories/impact-stories/the-discovery-of-and-research-on-the-ebola-virus