Overview

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe, often fatal viral disease that occurs in humans and animals.

Title
Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever

Types
Symptoms

Symptoms of Ebola hemorrhagic fever include :

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Joint and muscle aches
  • Sore throat
  • Weakness
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Rash
  • Red eyes
  • Hiccups
  • Internal and external bleeding

These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions.

Causes

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is caused by the Ebola virus. Humans can get the virus through contact with infected animals, humans, or needles.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on symptoms and medical history, as well as a physical exam.

Tests may include the following:

  • Blood tests to identify the virus

Blood tests to identify antibodies for the virus

Treatment

There is no cure for Ebola hemorrhagic virus. Treatment will include therapy for symptoms which may include intravenous management of your fluids and electrolytes, oxygen and blood pressure support, and treatment for any complicating infections.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting Ebola hemorrhagic fever:

  • Avoid traveling to an area that is experiencing an outbreak.
  • Health care providers must wear protective clothing, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles, and avoid reusing needles.

Avoid contact with anyone who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus.

Complications

Ebola hemorrhagic fever often has many complications; organ failures, severe bleeding, jaundice, delirium, shock, seizures, coma, and death (about 50%-100% of infected patients). Those patients fortunate enough to survive Ebola hemorrhagic fever still may have complications that may take many months to resolve. Survivors may experience weakness, fatigue, headaches, hair loss, hepatitis, sensory changes, and inflammation of organs

Risks
  • Travel to an area where an outbreak has occurred (almost all cases of Ebola hemorrhagic fever have occurred
  • Exposure to healthcare settings in which a person with Ebola hemorrhagic fever has been treated

Contact with another person who has Ebola hemorrhagic fever

Recovery

Studies indicates that the Ebola virus can persist at various sites in the body for many months in some people. Such sites include the inside of the eye, semen, amniotic fluid, the placenta, breast milk and the central nervous system. Survivors need comprehensive support to minimize the risk of re-emergence of the virus. Survivors, their partners and families, should receive support, appropriate and continuing counselling, and follow up testing.

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