Symptoms of Ebola Disease

Ebola or Ebola virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by a group of viruses called ebolaviruses. These pathogens can affect both humans and specific primates, including gorillas, monkeys, and chimpanzees.

In March 2014, the West African Ebola outbreak became the most extensive haemorrhagic viral epidemic on record. This had an almost 40% fatality rate among those affected.

What are the symptoms of Ebola?

The Ebola symptoms appear from 2 to 21 days after a person comes into contact with the ebolavirus. This typically averages from 8 to 10 days. The symptoms of Ebola virus disease unfold in a specific pattern. The initial symptoms are categorised as "dry," which include fever and fatigue. Subsequently, as the individual's health declines, there is a transition to "wet" symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting. This evolution characterises the distinct stages of Ebola virus disease symptoms.

The predominant indications of Ebola disease typically involve one or a combination of the following:

• Fever
• Aches and pains, such as intense headaches, and muscle and joint pain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Additional symptoms may encompass red eyes, skin rash, and hiccups.

Similar symptoms between Ebola disease and other common illnesses like influenza (flu), malaria, or typhoid fever are not uncommon.

Conclusion

Ebola disease is a rare condition. Successful recovery depends on effective supportive clinical care and the individual's immune response. Research findings demonstrate that individuals who survive infection by the Ebola virus retain antibodies that are detectable in their bloodstream for up to a decade post-recovery. These survivors are believed to have developed a form of protective immunity against the specific species of Ebola virus that affected them. Health insurance can provide financial support for critical care and long-term monitoring, ensuring better recovery outcomes.