ebola virus
A scientist studies the ebola virus under a microscope in a secure laboratory.
- Noun:
- A filovirus that causes Ebola hemorrhagic fever: The Ebola virus is a member of the Filoviridae family, known for causing a severe and often fatal disease in humans and primates.
- Carried by animals; can be used as a bioweapon: The virus is zoonotic, with fruit bats considered a natural reservoir. Due to its high lethality, it is classified as a potential biological weapon.
- Noun:
- The 2014 outbreak was caused by the Ebola virus.
- Scientists are researching vaccines for the Ebola virus.
- Handling the Ebola virus requires the highest biosafety level precautions.
"Ebola virus disease (EVD)": The official name for the illness caused by the Ebola virus.
- Ebola virus disease has a high case fatality rate.
"Ebola virus reservoir": Refers to the natural host, typically an animal, in which the virus lives without causing disease.
- Identifying the Ebola virus reservoir is crucial for preventing future outbreaks.
Filovirus (n): The family of viruses to which Ebola belongs, characterized by their filamentous shape.
- Marburg virus is another dangerous filovirus.
Hemorrhagic fever (n): A type of acute fever characterized by bleeding, which Ebola virus disease is a form of.
- Viral hemorrhagic fevers are a major public health concern.
- Ebolavirus (n): The taxonomic genus name for the virus.
- Zaire ebolavirus (n): The specific species responsible for most major outbreaks.
"Ebola outbreak": A sudden occurrence of many cases of Ebola virus disease.
- International aid was sent to control the Ebola outbreak.
"Ebola transmission": The way the virus spreads, typically through direct contact with bodily fluids.
- Ebola transmission requires close contact with an infected person's blood or secretions.
(Note: Due to the technical and grave nature of the term, there are no common idioms using "Ebola virus." It is primarily used in scientific, medical, and public health contexts.)
A scientist studies the ebola virus under a microscope in a secure laboratory.
- a filovirus that causes Ebola hemorrhagic fever; carried by animals; can be used as a bioweapon