Ebola Virus Disease: A Rare but Deadly Illness

A Disease with a High Fatality Rate

In today’s world, diseases caused by viruses and bacteria have increased so much that constant awareness is needed. Everyone must remain alert and careful at all times. Reminding each other to take care is also important. No matter how much care one person takes, if people around them do not take care, the infection can still reach them.

One such disease has shown a very terrifying form. Approximately 90 percent of people infected with this disease have lost their lives. This disease is Ebola, a virus-generated illness.

Ebola is a very rare disease caused by the Ebola virus. It shows symptoms that can lead to bleeding both inside and outside the body. It can also damage organs. Ebola is a life-threatening disease.

What Is Ebola?

This disease was earlier called Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever. But now it is known simply as Ebola Virus Disease. The disease first transferred from wild animals to humans. After that, it started spreading through human-to-human transmission.

The disease is mostly found in the African continent. It affects humans as well as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees.

Discovery and Origin

The Ebola virus was first discovered in the year 1976 near the Ebola River. That is why it was named Ebola. Since then, this virus has been affecting humans at different times. Many African countries have seen outbreaks of this disease.

During the period from 2014 to 2016, a major Ebola outbreak occurred in West Africa. It started spreading rapidly within a few weeks. Within a few months, it became a global epidemic.

Reasons for High Spread in African Countries

Several reasons may explain why Ebola spreads more in African countries:

• Population growth
• Encroachment on forest areas
• Direct interaction with wildlife

Where Did the Virus Come From?

Scientists still have not been able to find out exactly where this virus came from. According to them, the virus is animal-borne. Its sources could be bats or non-human primates and monkeys.

Infected animals carry this virus and transmit it to other animals such as apes, monkeys, and humans.

How Does Ebola Spread?

Ebola is not as contagious as more common viruses like influenza and measles. It spreads to people through contact with the skin or body fluids of infected monkeys, chimpanzees, or fruit bats.

After that, it continues transmitting from one person to another through the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Body fluids include:

• Urine
• Saliva
• Sweat
• Body waste
• Vomit
• Breast milk
• Semen

Clothes, beds, needles, and other medical equipment of people affected by Ebola are also contaminated with body fluids. Therefore, these can also make other people sick.

The virus can easily enter through broken skin. Touching contaminated needles and surfaces can also cause Ebola infection.

Having sexual contact with a person who is infected with Ebola or has recovered from the disease can also transmit Ebola.

The virus can survive on countertops for several hours at room temperature. In body fluids, this virus can survive for several days. Therefore, paying attention to cleaning and disinfection becomes very important.

People caring for sick individuals can also get infected. People who have recovered from this disease can still carry the virus for some time.

Health workers, family members, and friends who stay in close contact with Ebola patients have higher chances of infection.

Common Misunderstandings About Ebola Spread

Some misunderstandings often happen regarding Ebola spread. It is important to clarify them:

• Ebola does not transmit through water or food.
• A person who has Ebola but has no symptoms cannot transmit the disease.
• Mosquitoes and other insects do not spread Ebola.
• However, handling and consuming meat from wild animals that are infected with Ebola can cause infection.

Symptoms of Ebola

After coming in contact with this virus, symptoms can appear anytime between 2 to 21 days. On average, symptoms can appear within 8 to 10 days.

Symptoms of Ebola include:

• Headache
• High fever
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• Weakness
• Joint and muscle pain
• Sore throat

As the disease becomes more complicated, bleeding starts in the ears and nose. Bleeding also starts inside the body. Some people also get blood in their vomit.

This is a rare disease, but it is dangerous and life-threatening. For recovery from this disease, the patient needs a good immune response. Therefore, following a healthy lifestyle to keep immunity strong should be started as soon as possible.

Diagnosis of Ebola

Diagnosing Ebola based only on early symptoms is not easy. Fever, headache, and weakness cannot be considered specific symptoms of Ebola. These symptoms also appear in malaria and typhoid fever.

For diagnosing Ebola, multiple symptoms of Ebola must appear together. The affected person must also have had Ebola exposure. This means either:

• The patient came in contact with someone infected with Ebola, or
• The patient came in contact with someone who died from Ebola, or
• The patient touched contaminated items

If this has happened, then diagnosing Ebola becomes possible. Blood samples of such people are taken and the infection is confirmed.

PCR, which stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction, is one of the most common diagnostic methods used for this test. PCR can detect even low levels of the Ebola virus.

Doctors should be told about all symptoms so that correct diagnosis can happen. If Ebola infection is possible, the infected person should be isolated immediately so that their family members remain safe.

Treatment

After diagnosis, treatment is done through particular antibodies. Vaccines for Ebola are also available in Ebola-affected areas.

Prevention

While living in or traveling to areas with Ebola virus, the following precautions should be taken:

• Avoid coming in contact with the blood and body fluids of Ebola-infected people.
• Avoid coming in contact with the items of sick people.
• Avoid blood and fluids of bats, monkeys, and chimpanzees.
• Avoid eating the meat of these animals.

People traveling to Ebola outbreak areas and returning home should monitor their health for the next 21 days. If any Ebola symptoms appear, immediate medical care should be taken. This keeps both the individual and their community safe.

The Importance of Spreading Awareness

One person taking care of themselves is not enough. Others must also be informed. Sharing this information with as many people as possible is essential. Relatives and friends should be told because this information is very important.

Conclusion

Ebola is a rare but extremely dangerous disease. Approximately 90 percent of infected people have lost their lives. The virus was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in Africa. It spreads through contact with infected animals and then through human-to-human transmission of body fluids.

Symptoms include high fever, headache, weakness, and eventually internal and external bleeding. Diagnosis is difficult in early stages because symptoms resemble malaria and typhoid. PCR testing confirms the infection.

Prevention focuses on avoiding contact with infected individuals and animals. Vaccines are available in affected areas. Treatment involves particular antibodies and supportive care.

Spreading awareness is as important as personal care. Sharing this information widely can help protect communities.