15606 Ebola Virus Disease

Overview

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but serious illness caused by the Ebola virus. It is also called Ebola hemorrhagic fever. The virus can spread between people through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick with or has died from Ebola.

Ebola is very rare. It mostly appears in certain parts of Africa, where outbreaks sometimes happen. Outside these areas, it is extremely uncommon.

Anyone who has close contact with an infected person or animal can get Ebola. Health workers, family members caring for someone with Ebola, and people who handle bushmeat are at highest risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Weakness and tiredness
• Sore throat
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising

Causes

Main causes

• Ebola is caused by a virus. It spreads through direct contact with blood or other body fluids of a person who is sick or has died from Ebola.
• It can also spread through contact with contaminated needles, sheets, clothing, or surfaces, or by handling bushmeat from infected animals.

Risk factors

• Living in or traveling to areas where Ebola outbreaks are occurring
• Caring for someone with Ebola without proper protective equipment
• Taking part in burial rituals that involve touching the body of someone who died from Ebola
• Working with wild animals, such as fruit bats, monkeys, or antelopes, in areas where Ebola exists

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have symptoms like fever, severe headache, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding, and you have been to an Ebola outbreak area or been near someone with Ebola within the last 21 days, seek medical care immediately. Call ahead so the clinic can prepare to keep you isolated.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are worried that you might have been exposed to Ebola, even if you do not have symptoms, contact your doctor to talk about your risk and any next steps.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose Ebola with a blood test. If they suspect Ebola, they will take special precautions to protect others while testing.

Tests that may be done

• Blood test to look for the Ebola virus's genetic material (RNA)
• Blood test to check for antibodies that the body makes to fight the virus

What to expect at your appointment

If Ebola is suspected, you will be asked to stay in a special isolation area. A small sample of blood will be taken and sent to a specialist laboratory. Results can take from a few hours to a few days. While you wait, the health care team will monitor you, keep you comfortable, and make sure you are safe.

Treatment

There is no specific cure for Ebola, but hospital care can greatly improve your chances of recovering. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, keeping your body strong, and preventing complications.

Self-care at home

• Follow every instruction from your health care team, including staying in isolation until you are no longer infectious.
• Rest as much as possible while your body fights the virus.
• Tell your care team right away if any symptoms get worse.

Medical treatments

In the hospital, you may receive fluids through a drip to prevent dehydration, medicines to control fever, pain, and other symptoms, and oxygen if needed. There are also specialist treatments that may help block the virus, but these are only used in certain situations and are not a cure.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat Ebola itself. In rare cases, a person with Ebola might need surgery for another reason, but this would only be considered if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Living with this condition

During the illness, you will need to stay in isolation, often in a hospital. After recovery, you may feel weak for several weeks. Your health care team will tell you when it is safe to be around others and to return to your normal routines.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or caring for someone who is ill.
• Follow your local health authority's advice about returning to work, school, or travel.
• In outbreak areas, follow any community screening or safe burial guidance.

Diet and exercise

Eat small, easy-to-digest meals and drink plenty of clean water to help your body regain strength. Once you feel better, gentle activities like short walks can help you rebuild energy, but rest when you need to.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Going through Ebola can be frightening and can leave people feeling anxious, stressed, or sad. It is normal to have emotional reactions after such an experience. Consider talking to a mental health professional or a trusted support group.

Prevention

Yes, Ebola can be prevented. Avoid close contact with people who are sick or who have died from Ebola, do not touch contaminated surfaces or needles, wash your hands often, and follow public health advice during outbreaks.

Vaccines

There is a vaccine that helps protect people at high risk during Ebola outbreaks. It is not a routine vaccine for the general public. If you are traveling to an area with Ebola, ask your health care provider whether you should get vaccinated.

Screening programmes

During outbreaks, health teams may screen people for fever and other symptoms to find cases early and prevent the virus from spreading.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
• Low blood pressure
• Organ failure
• Heavy internal or external bleeding
• Shock

Long-term outlook

With early hospital care and supportive treatment, many people do recover. Survival rates are much better when treatment starts quickly. Recovery can take weeks, and some people may have long-term effects, but there is real hope for a full recovery.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization ↗

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