What is Ebola Virus?
The Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and since then, there have been several outbreaks of the disease in Africa. The Ebola virus is part of a family of viruses known as Filoviridae, and there are five known species of the virus, four of which can cause disease in humans.- The Ebola virus is a highly infectious and often fatal disease that affects humans and other primates, such as monkeys and gorillas.
- The virus transmits via direct exposure to surfaces that have been in direct touch with infected animals' blood, saliva, tissues, or other body fluids.
- The Ebola virus causes a severe and often deadly illness, with symptoms appearing 2 to 21 days after infection.
Symptoms of Ebola Virus
The symptoms of the Ebola virus typically appear 2 to 21 days after infection, although in some cases, it can take up to three weeks for symptoms to appear.- Early symptoms of the Ebola virus include muscle pain, fever, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a rash.
- Sometimes, someone infected with Ebola may experience abdominal pain, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. As the disease progresses, internal and external bleeding may occur, leading to serious complications and death.
- In addition to these physical symptoms, Ebola patients may experience mental and emotional symptoms, such as confusion, anxiety, and depression. The virus can also cause damage to the central nervous system, leading to seizures, comas, and even death.
- The progression of Ebola can be rapid, and severe dehydration can occur due to the loss of bodily fluids through vomiting and diarrhoea.
