Ebola is a virus that causes a severe and often fatal illness characterized by inflammation and tissue damage throughout the body. It is classified as a hemorrhagic fever virus.
Understanding Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease in people and nonhuman primates.
- Cause: EVD is caused by infection with an Ebola virus. There are several identified Ebola viruses.
- Hemorrhagic Fever: The term "hemorrhagic" refers to the fact that the virus disrupts the body's blood clotting system. This can lead to internal bleeding and blood leaking from small blood vessels.
How Ebola Affects the Body
Ebola attacks multiple organs and systems in the body. The virus damages:
- Blood Vessels: Weakening blood vessel walls, leading to leakage.
- Liver: Impairing liver function.
- Immune System: Disrupting the immune response, making it harder to fight the virus.
Symptoms of Ebola
Symptoms of Ebola can appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus, but on average, symptoms appear 8 to 10 days after exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained hemorrhage (bleeding or bruising)
Transmission of Ebola
Ebola is transmitted to people through direct contact with:
- Bodily fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola.
- Contaminated objects (like needles and syringes).
- Infected animals.
Prevention and Treatment
- Prevention: Avoiding contact with infected individuals or animals, practicing good hygiene, and vaccination (where available).
- Treatment: There is currently no cure for Ebola, but early supportive care with rehydration, symptom management, and specific antibody treatments can improve survival rates.
