Ebola

Viral disease caused by the Ebola virus

Ebola, also known as Ebola virus disease (EVD) or Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), is a severe and often fatal illness in humans and other primates caused by the Ebola virus. The disease was first identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have occurred sporadically in Africa.

Virology

Ebola virus virion

Ebola is caused by infection with a virus of the family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus. There are six known species of the Ebola virus, four of which are known to cause disease in humans: Zaire ebolavirus, Sudan ebolavirus, Taï Forest ebolavirus, and Bundibugyo ebolavirus. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission.

Transmission

Bushmeat, a potential source of Ebola virus

Ebola is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest. Human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola.

Pathogenesis

Pathogenesis of Ebola virus

Once the Ebola virus enters the body, it targets the immune system and several types of cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and endothelial cells. The virus disrupts the immune response and causes severe inflammation and tissue damage, leading to the characteristic symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Ebola

The incubation period, that is, the time interval from infection with the virus to onset of symptoms, is 2 to 21 days. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, symptoms of impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Ebola can be difficult, as the early symptoms are not specific to the disease and are similar to those of other infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, and meningitis. Laboratory tests, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), are used to confirm the presence of the virus.

Treatment

There is no proven treatment for Ebola, but a range of potential treatments including blood products, immune therapies, and drug therapies are currently being evaluated. Supportive care, such as rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, and treatment of specific symptoms improves survival.

Prevention

Ebola transmission cycle

Preventing Ebola involves reducing the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission, reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission, and controlling infection in healthcare settings. This includes avoiding contact with infected animals, using protective clothing, and implementing safe burial practices.

Outbreaks

Ebola outbreak in Gulu Municipal Hospital

Ebola outbreaks have occurred primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. The largest outbreak to date was the West African Ebola epidemic, which occurred from 2013 to 2016 and affected multiple countries, including Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Healthcare Response

Nurse and NHS Ebola volunteer

Healthcare workers are at high risk of infection when caring for Ebola patients. Strict infection control measures are necessary to prevent transmission in healthcare settings. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and isolation of patients are critical components of the response.

Safe Burial Practices

Safe burial practices for Ebola victims

Safe burial practices are essential to prevent the spread of Ebola. Traditional burial practices, which involve washing and touching the body, can lead to further transmission of the virus. Safe burial practices involve the use of PPE and minimizing contact with the body.

Related pages

• Marburg virus disease
• Lassa fever
• Zika virus
• Yellow fever