Prevention Is Better Than Cure…. Ebola Is Life Threatening

Ebola disease is a rare but very serious viral infection that can spread quickly and can be life-threatening.

Symptoms usually appear 2–21 days after exposure, commonly around 8–10 days.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with body fluids of a sick person or someone who died from Ebola, such as blood, vomit, stool, urine, saliva, sweat, breast milk, or semen. It is not spread through air like common cold or flu.

Common signs and symptoms

Fever: A sudden high fever can be an early sign.

Severe tiredness and weakness: The person may feel extremely weak, exhausted, or unwell.

Headache and body pain: Severe headache, muscle pain, joint pain, or body aches may occur.

Sore throat: Throat pain can happen in the early stage.

Vomiting and diarrhea: As illness progresses, vomiting and diarrhea may occur and can cause dehydration.

Belly pain: Abdominal pain or stomach cramps may happen.

Rash or red eyes sometimes: Some people may develop rash, red eyes, or skin changes.

Bleeding in severe cases: Unexplained bleeding, bruising, blood in stool, bleeding gums, or vomiting blood can occur, but bleeding is not always present.

When to suspect Ebola

Recent travel to an Ebola-affected area or contact with a suspected/confirmed Ebola patient.

Contact with body fluids, contaminated bedding/clothes, funeral practices involving a body, or infected animals in outbreak areas.

Fever or severe illness after possible exposure should be treated as urgent until ruled out.

Management

Seek urgent medical care immediately. Do not wait at home if Ebola exposure is possible and symptoms start.

Call before going to hospital if possible

Inform healthcare workers about travel or exposure history so they can prepare infection-control measures.

Isolation is important: A suspected patient should avoid close contact with others to prevent spread.

Supportive hospital care

Treatment includes fluids, electrolytes, oxygen if needed, blood pressure support, and treatment of complications.

Specific treatment may be used for some Ebola types

For Ebola virus disease caused by Zaire ebolavirus, WHO recommends monoclonal antibody treatments such as mAb114/ansuvimab or REGN-EB3/inmazeb where available.

Prevention matters

Avoid contact with body fluids of sick people, do not touch bodies of people who died from suspected Ebola, use proper protective equipment, follow public health guidance, and practice safe burial measures during outbreaks.

Vaccination may be used in outbreaks: Vaccines are available for prevention of Zaire ebolavirus disease in certain outbreak or high-risk settings, but availability depends on the Ebola virus species and public health guidance.

Emergency warning signs

Severe weakness, repeated vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, bleeding, difficulty breathing, fainting, or signs of dehydration need emergency care.

Medical disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If Ebola exposure is possible, contact local health authorities or emergency medical services immediately and avoid close contact with others until evaluated.

From: Paul S.Dangha. MLT (AMT), PT(ASCP),BSc microbiology. Department of chemistry University of medical sciences Arkansas.