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Understanding Ebola: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Ebola is a rare but deadly virus that can cause severe illness in humans. It was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, several outbreaks have occurred, mainly in Africa. In this article, we'll discuss what Ebola is, how it spreads, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What Is Ebola?

Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a viral disease that can cause fever, body aches, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding inside and outside the body. As the virus spreads through the body, it damages the immune system and organs, leading to severe, uncontrollable bleeding. Ebola can be fatal, with death rates ranging from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks.

How Does Ebola Spread?

Ebola spreads through contact with the skin or bodily fluids of an infected animal, such as a monkey, chimp, or fruit bat. It then moves from person to person in the same way. The virus can spread through:

  • Blood

  • Sweat

  • Tears

  • Urine

  • Feces

  • Vomit

  • Breast milk

  • Amniotic fluid

  • Semen

  • Vaginal fluids

Ebola can also spread through contact with contaminated needles or surfaces. However, it cannot spread through air, water, or food.

Who Is at Risk?

You're more likely to get Ebola if you come into direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. Those at high risk include:

  • Caregivers for Ebola patients

  • Healthcare workers treating Ebola patients

  • Volunteers or aid workers responding to an outbreak

  • Lab workers handling Ebola samples

  • Close family or friends of someone with Ebola

Symptoms of Ebola

Ebola symptoms typically appear 2 to 21 days after infection and may include:

  • High fever

  • Headache

  • Joint and muscle aches

  • Sore throat

  • Weakness

  • Stomach pain

  • Lack of appetite

As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as bleeding from the eyes, ears, and nose, vomiting or coughing up blood, bloody diarrhea, and a rash.

Diagnosing Ebola

Diagnosing Ebola can be challenging, as its early symptoms resemble those of other illnesses like cholera or malaria. Doctors may perform tests to rule out these diseases. Blood and tissue tests can also help diagnose Ebola. If you are diagnosed with Ebola, you will be immediately isolated to prevent the spread of the virus.

Treating Ebola

There is no specific cure for Ebola, but there are two approved drug treatments:

  1. Inmazeb, a mixture of three monoclonal antibodies (atoltivimab, maftivimab, and odesivimab-ebgn)

  2. Ansuvimab-zykl (Ebanga), a monoclonal antibody that helps block the virus from entering cells

Doctors also manage Ebola symptoms with supportive care, such as:

  • Fluids and electrolytes

  • Oxygen

  • Blood pressure medication

  • Blood transfusions

  • Treatment for other infections

Ebola Complications

Ebola can lead to various complications, both during and after the illness. These may include:

  • Coma

  • Multi-organ failure

  • Septic shock

  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

  • Seizures

  • Memory loss

  • Headaches

  • Cranial nerve problems

  • Tremors

  • Meningoencephalitis

Ebola Vaccines

There are two licensed vaccines available to prevent Ebola:

  1. rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo), which treats the Zaire strain of the virus and is approved for people 18 and older

  2. Ad26.ZEBOV (Zabdeno) and MVA-BN-Filo (Mvabea), a two-dose vaccine authorized for use in people 1 year and older

Experts recommend the Ervebo vaccine during an Ebola outbreak, while the two-dose vaccine is not designed for immediate protection.

Preventing Ebola

To prevent Ebola, you should:

  • Avoid traveling to areas with Ebola outbreaks

  • Avoid contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected people or animals

  • Avoid touching or handling items that may have come in contact with an infected person

  • Avoid participating in burial rituals that involve touching the body of someone who died from Ebola

  • Wear protective gear (masks, gloves, and goggles) if you are a healthcare worker treating Ebola patients

If you have traveled to an area with an Ebola outbreak, monitor yourself for symptoms for up to 21 days and seek medical attention immediately if you develop any signs of the disease.

For more information on Ebola, visit the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.

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