Summary about Disease
Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). It is caused by viruses within the genus Ebolavirus. EVD is characterized by fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g., bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Ebola typically appear 2 to 21 days after infection (the incubation period). Early symptoms can be sudden and include:
Fever
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Rash
Impaired kidney and liver function
Internal and external bleeding
Causes
Ebola is caused by viruses belonging to the Ebolavirus genus. These viruses are thought to be maintained in animal reservoirs, most likely bats. Human infection occurs through contact with an infected animal (e.g., fruit bats, monkeys, apes) or through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. The virus can enter the body through broken skin or mucous membranes.
Medicine Used
Inmazeb (atoltivimab, maftivimab, and odesivimab-ebgn): A mixture of three monoclonal antibodies.
Ebanga (ansuvimab-zykl): A single monoclonal antibody. Supportive care is also crucial and includes:
Rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids.
Maintaining electrolyte balance.
Managing pain.
Treating other infections if they occur.
Is Communicable
Yes, Ebola is communicable. It spreads through direct contact with:
Blood or body fluids (urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen) of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola.
Objects (like needles and syringes) that have been contaminated with the virus.
Infected animals. Ebola is not spread through the air or by water.
Precautions
Avoid contact with infected individuals: This includes touching their body fluids or contaminated objects.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Healthcare workers and caregivers should use appropriate PPE, including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.
Practice safe burial practices: Ensure safe and dignified burial of the deceased, involving trained personnel and proper disinfection.
Isolate infected individuals: Separate infected individuals from healthy populations to prevent further transmission.
Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid contact with wild animals: especially bats, monkeys, and apes, in areas where Ebola is present.
Vaccination: Vaccination with approved Ebola vaccines.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of an Ebola outbreak can vary significantly depending on factors such as the effectiveness of control measures, the geographic spread of the virus, and the availability of resources. Some outbreaks may be contained within a few months, while others can last for a year or more.
How is it diagnosed?
Ebola is diagnosed through laboratory tests on blood samples. These tests may include:
RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction): To detect the virus's genetic material.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): To detect antibodies against the virus.
Virus isolation: Growing the virus in cell culture.
Antibody detection: to check for current or past infection.
Timeline of Symptoms
Days 0-8 (Incubation Period): Asymptomatic.
Days 8-10: Sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, sore throat.
Days 10-12: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting.
Days 12-14: Rash, bleeding (internal and external), organ failure. Some patients recover, while others succumb to the disease.
Important Considerations
Early detection and isolation are crucial for controlling outbreaks.
Supportive care is essential for improving survival rates.
Community engagement is vital for promoting awareness and adherence to control measures.
Vaccination strategies can help to prevent and control outbreaks.
Research is ongoing to develop new treatments and prevention strategies.