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VIRUS DISEASE

EBOLA

EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE

information

Symptoms

Many other illnesses have symptoms that are similar to those of Ebola. As a result, it can be challenging to correctly diagnose the disease in its early stages. Common symptoms include fatigue, severe muscle pain, headaches and sore throat. Later on, these progress to include nausea, diarrhoea, and a skin rash, frequently with internal and external bleeding. This disease can have an incubation period of 2 to 21 days. Humans are not contagious until the disease's symptoms start to manifest.

Ebola virus disease (EVD), previously known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease with an average mortality rate of 50%, although depending on the strain of the virus this may be as low as 20% or as high as 90%. Numerous African nations are home to Ebola viruses, which can infect both humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). The disease was initially discovered in 1976 close to the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This discovery gave rise to the disease's name. Since then, outbreaks have sporadically appeared in various regions of Africa.

treatment

Though some novel treatments are being created and tested, there is currently no approved cure for Ebola. Ebola patients are segregated to stop the virus from spreading further, and their body electrolyte levels and oxygen saturation are carefully monitored. Organ support is provided as needed, and secondary infections are treated. The person's immune response to the virus and quality supportive care are ultimately what determine whether someone recovers.

prevention

Ebola virus disease

There is currently no vaccine that can provide defence against Ebola. Affected nations impose strict quarantines on those who are infected (or who are suspected of being infected) with the virus in order to contain it. People on lists of potential "contacts" (those who have had physical contact with an infected person) are closely watched for symptoms of the disease. Additionally, people in the affected nations are given information and advice on reducing the risk of infection. These consist of promoting good personal hygiene (such as the widespread use of hand sanitizers) and educational programmes outlining the disease's transmission mechanisms. For instance, people are advised not to use funeral or burial rituals that involve handling the body of an Ebola victim and to avoid contact with objects from an infected person that may contain bodily fluids (such as clothing, bedding, and medical equipment).

ebola virus disease