| How to cite this article: Wiwanitkit V. Skin rash in Ebola virus disease: Rate?. Ann Trop Med Public Health 2016;9:131-2 |
| How to cite this URL: Wiwanitkit V. Skin rash in Ebola virus disease: Rate?. Ann Trop Med Public Health [serial online] 2016 [cited 2016 Aug 29];9:131-2. Available from: https://www.atmph.org/text.asp?2016/9/2/131/177389 |
Dear Sir,
Ebola virus disease is the present consideration in public health. This disease can result in a severe hemorrhagic manifestation and death. However, in some cases, silent infection or mild infection can be expected. [1] Cutaneous manifestations of Ebola can be seen and this is an interesting issue in dermatology. [2],[3],[4] In a previous report from the Republic of the Sudan, rash can be seen in up to 52% of Ebola virus disease cases. [1] Blattner et al. noted that “rash initially presents on the upper arms, flexor forearms, and upper legs, sometimes in a centripetal fashion.” [2] For the recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease in 2014, the observation of skin problems is not well-documented. The rate of rash in the patients has not been studied. However, the rate of rash should be similar to the previous report from the Republic of the Sudan. [4] In fact, the mild infection presenting with only skin rash is possible and this is the topic to be kept in mind for any dermatologist. [5] Having a case coming from an endemic area with an unexplained rash, the Ebola virus disease should be included in a differential diagnosis.
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| References |
| 1. |
Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Sudan, 1976. Report of a WHO/International Study Team. Bull World Health Organ 1978;56:247-70.
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| 2. |
Blattner CM, Mortazie MB, Murase JE. Cutaneous manifestations of the Ebola virus. Dermatol Online J 2015;21. pii: 13030/qt7429f9vf.
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| 3. |
Bwaka MA, Bonnet MJ, Calain P, Colebunders R, De Roo A, Guimard Y, et al. Ebola hemorrhagic fever in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Clinical observations in 103 patients. J Infect Dis 1999;179(Suppl 1):S1-7.
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| 4. |
Wiwanitkit V. Ebola virus infection: What should be known? N Am J Med Sci 2014;6:549-52.
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| 5. |
Vaughan V, Boyers L, Karimkhani C, Dellavalle R. Effect of recent Ebola outbreaks on estimating the global burden of diseases with skin manifestations. J Am Acad Dermatol 2015;72:366-7.
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/1755-6783.177389
