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Home > Disease > Ebola Virus Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Diagnosis

Ebola Virus Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Diagnosis

Ebola Virus Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Diagnosis

Overview

Ebola virus disease - a name that sends shivers down the spine of many. This deadly disease has caused widespread fear and panic across the world, with outbreaks occurring in various countries over the years. The Ebola virus is highly contagious and can cause severe illness, often leading to death within days of infection. But what exactly is Ebola? What are its symptoms, causes, and how can it be treated? In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Ebola virus disease and how you can protect yourself from it. So sit tight as we take an informative journey into this terrifying global health threat!

What is the Ebola virus disease?

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus. The virus was first identified in 1976 during an outbreak near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, there have been several outbreaks of EVD across Africa.

The Ebola virus belongs to a family of viruses known as Filoviridae. It spreads through contact with bodily fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, sweat or feces from infected animals or humans.

The different types of Ebola virus disease

The Ebola virus disease is caused by a family of viruses known as Filoviridae. There are five different species of the Ebola virus, each named after the region where they were first found. These include:

  • Zaire ebolavirus - it is considered to be the deadliest among all with a mortality rate of up to 90%. It was responsible for the largest outbreak in history from 2014-2016 in West Africa that claimed over 11,000 lives.
  • Sudan ebolavirus - it causes severe illness but has a lower fatality rate compared to Zaire ebolavirus. It was first identified during an outbreak in Sudan in 1976.
  • Bundibugyo ebolavirus - causes milder symptoms than its counterparts but can still lead to fatal outcomes. The first case of this strain was reported near the African village of Bundibugyo in Uganda.
  • Taï Forest ebolavirus - it has only been discovered once so far when it infected one individual who lived near the Tai Forest reserve located on Ivory Coast's border with Liberia and Guinea.
  • Reston ebolavirus - it has no known cases causing human illness yet; however, it poses significant concerns due to its ability to infect primates such as monkeys without affecting humans.

Causes Of Ebola virus

Ebola virus disease is caused by the Ebola virus, which belongs to the Filoviridae family. The virus is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or animal. This includes blood, saliva, sweat, vomit and feces.

The natural reservoir for the Ebola virus is believed to be fruit bats. These animals are not affected by the virus but can transmit it to other animals or humans who come into contact with them. Other wild animals such as monkeys and apes can also become infected with Ebola.

Human-to-human transmission occurs when a person comes into contact with an infected person's body fluids during their illness or after death. People who have died from Ebola are highly contagious and proper handling of their bodies is essential in preventing further spread of the disease.

The symptoms of Ebola virus disease

Ebola virus disease has a high mortality rate and can quickly become life-threatening. The symptoms of Ebola virus disease are initially similar to those of the flu, which can make it difficult to diagnose early on.

In the first stages of Ebola virus disease, an infected person may experience fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue and sore throat. They may also develop vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. These symptoms typically appear between two days and three weeks after contracting the virus.

As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms occur such as abdominal pain, chest pain and difficulty breathing. In some cases, patients may experience internal bleeding or organ failure resulting in death.

It's important to note that not everyone who contracts Ebola will display all these symptoms. Some people have mild cases with only minor symptoms while others become severely ill.

How to treat Ebola virus disease

Treating Ebola virus disease requires immediate medical attention. There is currently no specific treatment or cure for Ebola, but supportive care can help relieve symptoms and improve outcomes.

Treatment involves managing the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance, maintaining blood pressure, and providing oxygen therapy as needed. Patients may also receive experimental treatments like monoclonal antibodies that target the virus.

Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, including Ebola, so they are not used to treat the disease directly. However, antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial infection develops in addition to Ebola.

Patients with severe cases of Ebola may require intensive care in a hospital setting to manage their symptoms and prevent complications like organ failure or bleeding disorders.

The prevention of Ebola virus disease

Preventing the spread of Ebola virus disease is crucial to stop its transmission. The most effective prevention measures include good hygiene practices such as washing hands regularly with soap and water, using hand sanitizers, avoiding contact with bodily fluids of people infected with Ebola virus, and avoiding direct contact with wild animals that might be carriers of the virus.

Another important measure is vaccination against the Ebola virus. Vaccines have been developed for healthcare workers who are at high risk of getting the disease while treating patients in affected areas. However, it's essential to note that vaccines alone cannot prevent or control an outbreak.

Conclusion

As we come to the end of this blog post on Ebola virus disease, it's important to remember that the outbreak of this deadly disease is still a looming threat. While there are treatments available for those who contract the virus, prevention is still key in stopping its spread.

The different types of Ebola virus disease can have varying degrees of severity and symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose and treat. However, by being aware of the signs and taking precautions such as practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected individuals or animals, we can work towards preventing further outbreaks.

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