Ebola Disease

Overview

Ebola disease is a rare but serious illness caused by Ebola viruses. It can cause fever, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases bleeding and organ problems. Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola, or with contaminated objects such as needles. It can also spread from infected animals in outbreak areas. Ebola does not spread through the air, water, or casual contact like sitting near someone.

Ebola disease is not common. It is rare and usually seen in outbreaks in certain parts of Africa. Cases outside outbreak areas are very rare and are usually linked to travel or contact with a sick person.

Anyone can get Ebola disease, but the risk is higher for people who care for someone with Ebola, healthcare workers in outbreak areas, people who handle infected animals or raw meat, laboratory workers, and people who take part in certain burial practices in outbreak areas.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever
• Severe tiredness
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Red eyes
• Rash
• Hiccups
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding

Symptoms in children

• Fever and tiredness
• Poor feeding or drinking
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Fussiness or unusual sleepiness
• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or fewer wet diapers

Symptoms in older adults

• Fever and weakness
• Confusion or unusual sleepiness
• Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea
• Falls or trouble walking due to weakness
• More severe illness if they have other health conditions

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with an Ebola virus
• Direct contact with blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola
• Contact with objects contaminated with infected body fluids, such as needles or medical equipment
• Contact with infected animals or raw meat in outbreak areas
• Sexual contact with a person who has recovered from Ebola, until health workers say it is safe

Risk factors

• Living in or traveling to an area with an active Ebola outbreak
• Caring for someone with Ebola without protective equipment
• Working in healthcare or a laboratory in an outbreak area
• Handling bats or nonhuman primates, or eating raw bushmeat in outbreak areas
• Taking part in burial practices that involve direct contact with the body in outbreak areas

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your local emergency number or health service immediately if you have fever and any possible exposure to Ebola
• Call ahead before going to a clinic or hospital so staff can protect you and others
• Seek same-day care for vomiting, diarrhea, unusual bruising, or severe weakness after possible exposure
• Ask for urgent advice if you are pregnant and have possible Ebola exposure

Book a routine appointment if:

• Ask for travel health advice before going to an area with an Ebola outbreak
• Arrange follow-up care if you have recovered from Ebola
• Talk with a healthcare provider about mental health support after an outbreak or illness

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, recent travel, and any contact with someone who has or may have Ebola. Ebola is confirmed with laboratory tests on blood or other body fluids. These tests are done in specialized settings with strict infection control. Public health teams may also be involved to check for outbreaks and protect others.

Tests that may be done

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: a lab test that looks for the virus's genetic material
• Antigen test: a lab test that looks for proteins from the virus
• Antibody test: a lab test that looks for the body's immune response to the virus
• Other blood tests to check hydration, liver and kidney function, and overall health

What to expect at your appointment

If Ebola is suspected, you may be cared for in a separate room or isolation area to protect others. Healthcare workers will use protective equipment. You may need repeat tests and close monitoring. Public health staff may ask questions to find out how the infection may have happened and who else may need support.

Treatment

Ebola disease needs care in a hospital, often in a specialized isolation unit. There is no simple home treatment. Treatment focuses on supporting the body while it fights the infection and on preventing spread to others. Early care improves the chance of recovery.

Self-care at home

• Do not try to treat suspected Ebola at home. Call your local health service first and follow their instructions.
• Rest and drink fluids only if a healthcare provider says it is safe and you are not too unwell.
• Follow public health advice about isolation and contact tracing.
• After recovery, keep follow-up appointments and ask about support for lasting symptoms.
• Ask for mental health support if you feel anxious, afraid, or grieving.

Medical treatments

Hospital care includes supportive treatment such as fluids, oxygen, blood pressure support, nutrition, and treatment of infections or other complications. For some types of Ebola virus, specific treatments may be offered by public health authorities in outbreak settings. These are given by specialist healthcare teams, not by patients at home.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for Ebola disease. It may be needed only for complications in rare cases, as decided by a specialist team.

Living with this condition

Survivors of Ebola may need time to regain strength. Some people have lasting tiredness, body aches, eye problems, or difficulty hearing. Follow-up care helps find and manage these problems. Health workers will also advise on safe sex and other precautions until tests show it is safe.

Lifestyle tips

• Build activity slowly and rest when tired
• Eat regular balanced meals and drink enough fluids
• Keep all follow-up appointments
• Avoid alcohol and smoking while recovering if your healthcare provider advises it
• Ask for help with sleep, stress, and daily tasks

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet that cures Ebola. During recovery, a balanced diet and enough fluids help the body heal. Exercise should start gently and increase as strength returns. Ask your healthcare provider what is safe for you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Ebola can cause fear, anxiety, grief, and stigma. Survivors and families may feel isolated or worried about the future. These feelings are understandable. Talking with a counselor, faith leader, or support group can help. If you feel overwhelmed or in crisis, contact local crisis support services right away.

Prevention

Yes. Ebola can be prevented by avoiding direct contact with blood and body fluids from people or animals that may be infected. In outbreak areas, follow public health advice, use protective equipment if caring for someone who is sick, practice good hand hygiene, and avoid unsafe burial practices and raw bushmeat. After recovery, follow advice about safe sex until health workers say it is safe.

Vaccines

Vaccines are available for one type of Ebola virus, called Zaire ebolavirus. They are used mainly in outbreak response and for people at high risk, not for routine public use. Ask your local health service whether vaccination is recommended for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for Ebola in the general public. During outbreaks, health authorities may screen travelers, trace contacts, and check people who may have been exposed. If you have possible exposure, contact your local health service for advice even if you feel well.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe dehydration and shock
• Liver, kidney, and other organ problems
• Severe bleeding
• Death in severe cases

Long-term outlook

With early supportive care, many people recover from Ebola. Survival is better when treatment starts early. Some survivors have lasting symptoms such as tiredness, eye problems, or joint pain, and follow-up care can help. Public health measures can stop outbreaks and protect communities. If you have possible exposure, acting quickly is the most important step.

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