Journal of Tropical Diseases & Public Health

Ebola Virus

Ebola virus refers to a group of viruses within the Filoviridae family that cause a severe and often fatal illness known as Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in humans and other primates. The disease was first identified in 1976 during outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) and Sudan, leading to significant health crises in those regions..

Transmission

• Human-to-Human: The virus spreads through direct contact with:
  • Blood or bodily fluids (urine, saliva, sweat, vomit, feces, breast milk, semen).
  • Contaminated objects (needles, medical equipment).
  • Infected animals (primates, bats).
• Not Spread Through Air: Ebola is not airborne but is highly infectious through contact with bodily fluids.
• Sexual Transmission: Ebola can persist in semen for months after recovery, leading to potential transmission through sexual contact.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 2-21 days after infection, with an average of 8-10 days.

• Early symptoms:
  • Fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue.
  • Sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Later symptoms:
  • Impaired liver and kidney function.
  • Internal and external bleeding (hemorrhaging).

Diagnosis

• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) are used to confirm Ebola.
• Differential Diagnosis: Symptoms overlap with other diseases like malaria, typhoid, or meningitis, so precise testing is critical.

Treatment

• Supportive Care: There is no specific antiviral treatment. Supportive care focuses on:
  • Hydration.
  • Maintaining oxygen and blood pressure.
  • Treating secondary infections.
• Experimental Treatments:
  • Monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Inmazeb, Ebanga).
  • Antiviral drugs (e.g., Remdesivir).
• Vaccines: The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine has been used effectively during outbreaks.

Prevention

• Avoiding Contact: Avoid contact with infected people and animals, particularly in outbreak areas.
• Safe Burial Practices: To avoid contact with bodily fluids.
• Use of PPE: Healthcare workers must use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like gloves, gowns, and face shields.

Outbreaks

• Major Outbreaks:
  • 1976 (First outbreak in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
  • 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak (the largest, causing over 11,000 deaths).
• Current Risk: Regular outbreaks still occur in Central Africa, especially in the DRC.

Mortality Rate

• The fatality rate varies depending on the strain but typically ranges between 25% and 90%.

Global Response

• WHO and CDC: Provide guidance on controlling outbreaks, developing response strategies, and conducting research.
• Containment: Rapid identification, isolation, and contact tracing are essential in halting the spread of Ebola.

Post-Ebola Syndrome

• Survivors can experience long-term effects such as joint pain, fatigue, vision problems, and psychological issues for months or years after recovery.