What is Ebola Virus Disease?

Ebola Virus Disease: Key Symptoms, Transmission & Prevention Strategies

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe disease caused by infection with the Ebola virus, a member of the Filoviridae family. Once transmitted to humans, Ebola spreads either through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected people or through contact with surfaces and products contaminated with these fluids.

Thus, understanding the symptoms of this disease is essential for early diagnosis and proper treatment. Keep reading to understand the disease symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and possible prevention techniques.

What are the Symptoms of the Ebola Virus Disease?

Symptoms of Ebola usually take 2 to 21 days following virus exposure, with an average onset of 8 to 10 days. The disease usually starts suddenly and manifests flu-like symptoms that progress quickly, such as:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Sore throat
• Intense weakness and fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

Patients may also experience rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some instances internal and external bleeding, including from gums or blood in stools, as the condition advances.

Ebola is especially deadly because of the severity of the symptoms and the possibility of hemorrhagic symptoms. Many patients suffer a severe decline if a prompt diagnosis and supportive care fail.

How is Ebola Virus Disease Transmitted?

Ebola is not transmitted via air, water, or food (except in Africa, where bushmeat may be a source). Transmission occurs in the following ways:

• Direct contact with blood or body fluids (urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, or semen) of a person who is ill or has died from Ebola.
• Interaction with contaminated items, including medical tools or needles.
• Contacts with diseased animals, including those encountered during hunting or butchery.

Ebola is still contagious in bodily fluids after death, which is why in some societies, traditional burial customs have increased the spread of the virus. Survivors might still have the virus in their body fluids for weeks or months following recovery.

How is Ebola Diagnosed?

Laboratory testing gives a diagnosis of Ebola as follows:

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for viral RNA
• ELISA to detect Ebola antibodies or antigens
• Virus isolation and sequencing in specialized labs

Accurate laboratory diagnosis is critical for appropriate response and containment because Ebola's earliest symptoms resemble those of many other diseases, including malaria or typhoid.

How is Ebola Treated?

For effective Ebola treatment, supportive care still forms the backbone of treatment as follows:

• Intravenous fluids or oral solutions achieve rehydration.
• Maintains oxygen levels and blood pressure.
• Treats any complicated infections.

Can Ebola Be Prevented? 

Yes, several methods have shown success rates in lowering the transmission of the Ebola virus, such as:

• The Ervebo vaccine has been markedly approved for use in individuals 18 years of age and older and has been widely used in response to outbreaks.
• Barrier nursing methods include protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.
• Prompt identification and isolation of cases
• Safe burial practices
• Community outreach and contact tracing

Early detection, quarantine, contact tracing, and strict infection control in public health measures during epidemics could help to stop the Ebola virus outbreak.

Ebola virus disease is still among the most dangerous viral diseases known to mankind, with a high death rate and the possibility of terrible outbreaks if left unchecked. Although uncommon, its public health significance is immense due to its potential for widespread impact.

However, early detection, encouraging care, and strong infection control are still crucial. Thus, it is necessary to have health insurance to secure your health and finances during critical times such as these.

At Star Health, our insurance plans cover vector-borne diseases like the Ebola virus. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.