From the Guidelines
Definition of Ebola
Ebola is a severe and potentially fatal viral illness that requires prompt medical attention.
Key Characteristics
It is marked by fever, nausea, vomiting, and—less frequently—haemorrhaging, and spread through infected bodily fluids 1. The incubation period is typically followed by "dry symptoms" (e.g., fever, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain), and then "wet symptoms" (e.g., nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) 1.
Transmission and Symptoms
Ebola can be transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, sweat, and saliva 1. Symptoms can include cough, shortness of breath, conjunctival injection, and an erythematous maculopapular rash 1.
Severity and Outcomes
The disease can lead to severe metabolic derangements, multisystem organ failure, and death in approximately 7-10 days after illness onset 1. Some patients may experience long-term sequelae, including ocular complaints, memory loss, and joint pain 1.
Important Considerations
It is essential to note that Ebola can persist in immune-privileged sites, such as the eye, placenta, testes, and central nervous system, and can be transmitted through sexual contact 1.
From the Research
Definition and Overview of Ebola Virus Disease
- Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe and highly fatal zoonotic disease caused by viruses in the family Filoviridae and genus Ebolavirus 2.
- It is characterized by sudden onset of 'flu-like' symptoms, such as fever, myalgia, and chills, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially hemorrhagic complications and multiple organ failure 3, 2.
Transmission and Epidemiology
- The disease is endemic to Africa, with outbreaks recorded in six African countries since its detection in 1976 3.
- Fruit bats are believed to be the natural hosts of Ebola viruses, with humans and other mammals serving as accidental hosts 3, 2.
- Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact with blood and bodily fluids, contaminated utensils, and equipment 3, 2.
Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
- The virus has an incubation period ranging from two to twenty-one days, followed by a multitude of clinical manifestations, including high fever, chills, and myalgia 3.
- Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, such as sudden onset of illness, high fevers, and at least two hemorrhagic symptoms, as well as laboratory findings 3, 4.
Treatment and Management
- Management of patients involves supportive care, including maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, as well as treating complications arising from secondary infections 3, 4.
- Specific anti-Ebola medications, such as ZMapp, and innovative treatments, like FX06, have shown promise in improving patient outcomes 5, 6.
- Critical care interventions, including monitoring of vital signs, intravenous fluid resuscitation, and mechanical ventilation, are often required to manage life-threatening complications 4, 6.