Ebola (Ebola Virus Disease)

Ebola (Ebola Virus Disease)

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is an uncommon yet highly lethal illness affecting both humans and nonhuman primates. The viruses responsible for EVD primarily exist in sub-Saharan Africa. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected animals (such as bats or nonhuman primates) or individuals who are sick or deceased due to Ebola virus infection.

Initially, the virus spreads to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, and tissues of infected animals. Subsequently, it spreads among humans via contact with the bodily fluids of individuals suffering from or deceased due to EVD. Transmission can occur when infected fluids come into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Furthermore, the virus can be transmitted through sexual intercourse with an EVD patient or even post-recovery, as it may persist in certain body fluids like semen.

Although Ebola virus is not known to spread through food, there are regions where transmission may occur through the handling and consumption of wild animal meat or hunted animals infected with Ebola. However, there is no evidence to suggest transmission via mosquitoes or other insects.

After recovery from EVD, survivors may experience various side effects such as fatigue, muscle aches, eye and vision issues, and abdominal discomfort.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms typically manifest between 2 to 21 days after exposure, with an average onset of 8 to 10 days. The disease progression usually starts with "dry" symptoms like fever, body aches, and fatigue, then advances to "wet" symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting as the condition worsens.

Primary signs and symptoms of Ebola include fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, weakness, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting, abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding or bruising, along with other late-stage symptoms like red eyes, skin rash, and hiccups.

It's important to note that many common illnesses, such as influenza, malaria, or typhoid fever, can present similar symptoms to EVD.

Ebola Vaccine

The Ebola vaccine rVSV-ZEBOV (marketed as "Ervebo") has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for EVD prevention. This vaccine, found to be safe and effective against the Zaire ebolavirus species, offers protection against EVD.