The Ebola virus disease (EVD), is a serious and infrequent illness. Among the five known strains of the Ebola virus, four can affect humans. While one specifically attacks non-human primates such as monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, and pigs.
Ebola symptoms appear 8 to 10 days post-infection. The virus is not contagious before symptoms. Common signs include fatigue, fever, muscle pain, headache, weakness, nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach pain.
What are the Causes of Ebola?
The Ebola virus is the cause of Ebola virus disease, and its origins are mysterious. Scientists suspect animal transmission of the virus, especially from bats to other animals, including humans. No conclusive evidence supports mosquito or insect transmission. Once infected, individuals can transmit Ebola.
When examining the causes of Ebola, it's vital to note that it's less transmissible than common viruses like colds or flu. Unlike them, Ebola doesn't spread through air, water, or food. Its primary mode of transmission is direct contact.
- Transmission through infected blood.
- Spread via various body fluids (breast milk, stool, saliva, semen, sweat, urine, or vomit)
- Contamination risk from objects like needles or syringes
- Potential transmission through infected animals (bats, primates).
When referring to direct contact denotes a person's eye, mouth, nostrils, or any impaired skin, such as a cut, nick, abrasion, or open wound establishing contact with blood or fluids from an infected person or contaminated objects.
The risk of Ebola virus infection is extremely low for the majority of individuals. However, it becomes higher under certain conditions such as:
- Travel to EVD outbreak areas
- Providing care to an infected person elevates the likelihood of Ebola contraction
- Direct contact with a virus carrier raises infection probability
- Infected deceased individuals can still transmit the virus
Conclusion
EVD results in a fatality rate of approximately 50% among those infected. The Ebola virus causes multiple organs to fail, leading to death. Even individuals who survive the disease may remain infectious, as the Ebola virus can persist in specific body fluids for an extended period. To minimise the risk of Ebola virus infection, public health measures, awareness, and appropriate precautions are essential. Health insurance can help cover the costs of critical care and support ongoing medical needs for Ebola survivors.