Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but very serious illness that affects humans and other primates. It was first identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ebola can cause severe disease and death if not detected and treated early. On average, about half of infected people die, although the fatality rate has ranged from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks depending on the virus species, the strength of the health system, and how quickly patients receive care.
How Ebola Spreads
Natural Source of the Virus
Fruit bats are believed to be the natural hosts of the Ebola virus. People can become infected through contact with infected wild animals such as bats, monkeys, chimpanzees, and forest antelope, especially during hunting, butchering, or preparing bushmeat.
Human-to-Human Transmission
Once a person becomes sick, Ebola spreads through direct contact with:
Blood
Saliva
Sweat
Vomit
Urine
Feces
Breast milk
Semen
Other body fluids
It can also spread through contact with contaminated items such as:
Needles and syringes
Clothing and bedding
Towels
Medical equipment
Important: Ebola is not spread through the air like influenza or measles. It is also not spread through casual contact such as walking past someone.
Incubation Period
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 21 days after exposure.
When a Person Becomes Infectious
People infected with Ebola cannot spread the virus until they develop symptoms. The risk of transmission increases as the illness becomes more severe.
Signs and Symptoms of Ebola
Early Symptoms
Sudden fever
Extreme weakness and fatigue
Muscle and joint pain
Headache
Sore throat
Later Symptoms
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Rash
Red eyes
Impaired kidney and liver function
Severe Symptoms
Bleeding from the gums, nose, or injection sites
Blood in vomit or stool
Shock and organ failure
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Personal Protection Measures
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid direct contact with blood and body fluids of anyone who is sick.
Do not touch contaminated clothing, bedding, or medical equipment without proper protection.
Avoid handling dead bodies unless trained and equipped to do so.
Avoid hunting, handling, or eating sick or dead wild animals.
Cook meat thoroughly.
Practice safe sex, especially if a partner has recovered from Ebola, since the virus can remain in semen for months.
Follow advice from health authorities and seek accurate information from trusted sources.
If Someone Is Sick
Do not care for the person without appropriate protective equipment.
Isolate the sick person from others.
Contact health authorities immediately.
Avoid touching the person's body fluids.
If You Develop Symptoms
If you have fever or other symptoms and have had contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola case within the previous 21 days:
Seek medical care immediately.
Inform healthcare workers about your exposure history.
Avoid close contact with others.
Do not travel unless advised by health authorities.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Ebola is confirmed in specialized laboratories using tests such as RT-PCR.
Treatment
There is no single guaranteed cure, but early treatment greatly improves survival. Treatment may include:
Oral or intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration
Correction of electrolyte imbalances
Oxygen therapy
Blood pressure support
Treatment of secondary infections
Management of organ failure
Several approved therapies and vaccines have improved outcomes in some Ebola outbreaks.
Vaccination
Vaccines are available for some types of Ebola and are used to protect frontline health workers and close contacts of confirmed cases during outbreaks.
Key Message
Ebola is a serious but preventable disease. It spreads only through direct contact with the body fluids of a person who is sick or has died from the disease. Early detection, prompt medical care, good hygiene, and avoiding contact with infected body fluids are the most effective ways to protect yourself and your community.
For official health guidelines click this link