Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola virus disease (EVD), also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe and often fatal viral illness caused by the Ebola virus.

Causes and Transmission

The Ebola virus is transmitted to people through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, sweat, and saliva. The virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects, like needles and medical equipment. Fruit bats are believed to be the natural reservoir of the Ebola virus, and the disease can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Ebola virus disease typically begin 2-21 days after exposure to the virus and may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Bleeding or bruising

Diagnosis

Ebola virus disease is diagnosed through a combination of laboratory tests, including:

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the genetic material of the virus
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies against the virus
• Virus isolation to grow the virus in a laboratory setting

Treatment and Prevention

There is no specific treatment for Ebola virus disease, but supportive care, such as fluid replacement, oxygen therapy, and management of bleeding and other complications, can improve survival rates. Several experimental treatments, including ZMapp and brincidofovir, have been used in outbreaks, but their effectiveness is still being studied.

Prevention measures include:

• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and gowns, when caring for infected patients
• Avoiding contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals
• Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing
• Avoiding contact with contaminated objects and surfaces
• Vaccination: The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing Ebola virus disease and is recommended for individuals at high risk of exposure.

Outbreaks and Epidemiology

Ebola virus disease outbreaks have occurred primarily in Africa, with the largest outbreak occurring in West Africa from 2014-2016. The disease has a high mortality rate, ranging from 25% to 90%, depending on the strain of the virus and the quality of care provided.

Strains of the Virus

There are five identified strains of the Ebola virus:

• Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV)
• Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV)
• Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV)
• Reston ebolavirus (RESTV)
• Tai Forest ebolavirus (TAFV)

Global Response and Control Measures

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health authorities have implemented various control measures to prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease, including:

• Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing
• Isolation and quarantine of infected individuals
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare workers
• Vaccination campaigns
• Public education and awareness campaigns