Written by Ebola is a deadly virus that causes a severe illness called Ebola virus disease (EVD). The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or animal. EVD can be fatal, with a fatality rate of up to 90%.
The first symptoms of EVD are usually fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. These are followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and internal and external bleeding. The time from when someone gets infected to having symptoms is usually from 2 to 21 days.
There is no specific treatment for EVD. Treatment is supportive and includes providing fluids, electrolytes, and blood transfusions. There are a few experimental treatments that have been shown to be effective in some cases.
The best way to prevent EVD is to avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or animal. This can be done by:
- Avoiding contact with sick people or animals.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoiding contact with dead animals.
- Wearing gloves and a mask when handling potentially contaminated materials.
Ebola is a serious disease, but it is not impossible to prevent. By taking precautions and being aware of the risks, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from this deadly virus.
Here are some additional things to know about Ebola:
- The virus is named after the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it was first identified in 1976.
- There have been several major outbreaks of Ebola in recent years, including the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa, which was the deadliest in history.
- There are four known species of Ebola virus, but only four of them are known to cause disease in humans.
- There is no cure for Ebola, but there are treatments that can help to improve the chances of survival.
- The best way to prevent Ebola is to avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or animal.
If you think you may have been exposed to Ebola, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.