Cutaneous manifestations of the ebola virus

Abstract

The current Ebola outbreak has drawn attention to the virus in the medical community. Zaire ebolavirus, more commonly known as ‘the Ebola virus,’ is a level 4-security agent in the Filoviridae family. The main cutaneous finding of Ebola is a nonspecific maculopapular rash that appears between day four and six of disease. Patients have “ghost-like” features, and the rash initially presents on the upper arms, flexor forearms, and upper legs, sometimes in a centripetal fashion. Skin biopsy, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and electron microscopy can help provide early diagnosis and conceivably prevent spread if proper precautionary measures are in place.