A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Ebola Virus

Introduction of Ebola virus

Disease caused by ebola virus called ebola hemorrhage fever or ebola virus disease the virus was first isolated in 1976 in zaire in a village near to Ebola River, the symptoms typically last for 8-10 days. Ebola virus disease is rare but severe and often deadly disease, as the virus spreads throughout the body, it damages the organs and immune system. The mortality rate associated with this virus can be up to 90%. There are five types of ebola virus out of which four types cause the disease in humans. 

What is Ebola Virus?

Ebola virus is a deadly virus that causes a severe, often fatal disease transmitted through direct infectious diseases. Cause of ebola virus: It is caused by ebola virus, family of this virus is called filoviridae,it is a single stranded RNA virus.

Haw to transmission ebola virus

Ebola virus is transmitted from human to human through infected body fluids, blood, resused needles and syringes, fruit bats, rodents, monkeys, chimpanzees, and gorrillas are suspected of being the reservoir.

Symptoms of ebola virus disease

• Fever and skin rash

• Severe headache

• Joint pain

• Muscle pain

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue

• Sore throat

• Blood in vomiting and bloody diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Bleeding inside the body

• Bleeding from nose, ear and gums

• Complication of ebola virus disease

• Coma

• Seizures

• Death

• Severe bleeding

• Loss of vision

• Memory loss

• Insomnia 

Diagnosis of ebola virus disease

• IgM detection by elisfrom blood

• Detection of viral antigen by elisa

• PCR test from blood

• Immunuhistocheistry in dead patients 

Prevention of ebola virus

• Avoid traveling to areas where the virus is found

• Wearing masks, gloves, and glasses by health care workers whenever they come into contact with infected patients.

• Avoid contact with bats, monkeys, chimpanzees, and gorrillas in an area where ebola is present. 

Haw to treatment ebola virus

Treatment of ebola virus always consult a general physician for treatment of ebola virus disease and follow the doctor’s instructions. Inmazeb and ansuvimab, oxygen, electrolytes and intravenous fluid is useful, blood transfusion,manage blood pressure through medicines.

Types of Ebola virus

1. Zaire ebolavirus:

Zaire ebolavirus is the deadliest Ebola virus species, responsible for the majority of Ebola outbreaks with very high fatality rates. It is the most well-known and most lethal species of Ebola virus.

2. Sudan Ebolavirus:

Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV) is one of the known species of the Ebolavirus genus, which causes a severe and often fatal illness in humans and nonhuman primates called Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). It was first recognized in 1976 during an outbreak in Sudan (now South Sudan). Spread through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected people or animals, and with contaminated surfaces/materials.

3. Bundibugyo ebolavirus:

Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV) is one of the six known species of the genus Ebolavirus within the family Filoviridae. It was first identified in 2007 during an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Bundibugyo District, western Uganda, which is where the virus gets its name. BDBV causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans, similar to other Ebola viruses, but the case fatality rate is generally lower (around 25–36%) compared to the Zaire ebolavirus (which can reach up to 90%). 

4. Reston ebolavirus:

Reston ebolavirus is a unique Ebola virus species that primarily affects monkeys and pigs. Humans can be infected but have not developed disease, making it different from Zaire, Sudan, and Bundibugyo ebolaviruses, which cause severe Ebola virus disease. RESTV serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of emerging viruses and the need for ongoing surveillance.

Clinical Manifestations of Ebola virus Disease (EVD)

1. Incubation Period:

The incubation period for EVD ranges from 2 to 21 days, with an average of 8 to 10 days. During this period, individuals may not exhibit any symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others.

2. Early Symptoms:

The initial symptoms of EVD are nonspecific and can resemble other febrile illnesses. Common early symptoms include sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. Patients may also experience loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

3. Gastrointestinal Symptoms:

As Ebola virus disease progresses, GI symptoms become more pronounced. Patients may develop abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Severe fluid loss from diarrhea and vomiting can lead to Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalances.

4. Hemorrhagic Manifestations:

While EVD is often associated with bleeding, hemorrhagic manifestations are not always present. Some patients may experience bleeding from the gums, nosebleeds, or blood in the stool. Severe cases of EVD can involve internal bleeding, leading to bruising petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin), and profuse bleeding from multiple sites (in rare cases).

5. Multi-Organ Dysfunction:

EVD can result in multi-organ dysfunction and failure. Hepatic dysfunction is common, manifesting as: Elevated Liver Enzymes, Jaundice, and Impaired/disabled Synthetic Function. Renal dysfunction can occur leading to Acute Kidney Injury and Electrolyte Imbalances.

Conclusion

Ebola virus is a reminder of the danger of emerging infectious diseases, but with modern medicine and strong public health systems, the risks can be controlled and lives can be saved.