The Ebola virus is a viral infection that can cause high fever, is characterized by internal and external bleeding, and is life-threatening. This disease occurs due to a microorganism called the Ebola virus. The Ebola virus has been recognized worldwide since outbreaks in Central Africa in the mid-1970s. The reason the disease is significant is the lack of an effective drug or vaccine for its treatment and many...
The Ebola virus is a viral infection that can cause high fever, is accompanied by internal and external bleeding, and is life-threatening. This disease occurs due to a microorganism called the Ebola virus. The Ebola virus has been recognized worldwide since outbreaks in Central Africa in the mid-1970s. The reason the disease is significant is the lack of an effective drug or vaccine for its treatment and that many cases result in death.
What is the Ebola Virus?
The Ebola virus causes a febrile illness that leads to life-threatening bleeding, with 50% to 90% of cases resulting in death. This virus is an RNA virus from the filovirus family. Approximately 260 people died from the disease during the first outbreak.
How is the Ebola Virus Transmitted?
The origin of the Ebola virus has not yet been precisely determined. However, it is thought that some monkey species may be the primary host for Ebola. Fruit bats are believed to constitute the natural reservoir of the pathogen. One theory suggests that the virus was transmitted to monkeys, pigs, and certain other animals that ate fruit leftovers left behind by bats.
The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with the blood and body fluids of animals. Just as it can be transmitted directly from animals to humans, it can also be transmitted from human to human through contact with blood and body fluids. The virus has been detected in all bodily fluids you can think of, such as urine, feces, vomit, tears, and breast milk. Healthcare workers constitute an important risk group for infection as they are in close contact with patients.
Since there is no treatment for the disease, preventing transmission is essential for protection. Therefore, sick animals must be quarantined as soon as possible. The carcasses of dead animals must be disposed of carefully. The meat of these animals, especially raw meat, should not be consumed.
5 different Ebola virus groups that cause the disease have been identified. Three of these viral groups have caused major outbreaks in humans. Unlike many tropical infections, it has not been determined so far that Ebola virus infection is transmitted through mosquito bites.
Symptoms of Ebola Disease
The time elapsed from the transmission of the virus to the appearance of symptoms varies between 2 and 21 days. Some of the important symptoms that can be seen are headache, widespread body pain, high fever, conjunctivitis in the eyes, bleeding, nausea, and skin rashes. In addition to these, kidney and liver dysfunctions can also be observed. There is a decrease in white blood cell and platelet counts in the blood count. Even a few days after the onset of the disease, severe internal and external bleeding, especially originating from mucous membranes, can occur. All these observable symptoms are not specific to Ebola disease, and fever, bleeding, and organ damage also occur in various other serious infections. This makes it difficult for doctors to make an accurate diagnosis initially. In the course of Ebola, failures develop in various organs with varying frequency. Additionally, encephalitis can occur, which worsens the prognosis further. Severe cases resemble septic shock and have a high mortality rate. The cause of death in the disease is usually heart failure.
Ebola Diagnosis
Especially in the early stage of the disease, it is difficult to distinguish between Ebola and certain other diseases such as yellow fever, Lassa fever, dengue fever, or malaria. Therefore, in suspected cases, patients should be quarantined at an early stage.
The pathogen can be detected above all in the blood and also in the skin. Samples are taken to test for the Ebola virus. The formation of antibodies against the virus usually occurs only in the advanced stages of the disease. Only special laboratories with a very high level of security are permitted to work with the Ebola virus and examine samples from patients suspected of having an Ebola infection.
If Ebola is suspected, the patient's blood values are also closely monitored. In addition, close follow-up is required for bleeding or impaired organ function.
Ebola Disease Treatment
So far, no effective treatment method has been found for Ebola, which is why the mortality rate is still very high. Likewise, there are no standard treatment recommendations. Treatment with an antiviral drug can be considered, but unlike similar viral diseases, the probability of success is low.
What is important for an Ebola infection is that patients are placed under intensive care. Electrolyte and fluid support are important for successful treatment. A rapid organ replacement procedure such as dialysis for kidney failure must be initiated. However, unfortunately, in the countries where Ebola emerges (Central Africa), such medical interventions are often not possible.
Medical Information and Disclaimer
This content has been prepared in accordance with the current scientific literature and generally accepted medical knowledge at the time of its preparation, with the aim of informing the public on health matters. The information contained within is for general informational purposes and does not substitute for diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or personalized medical advice.
This content has been prepared in accordance with the current scientific literature and generally accepted medical knowledge at the time of its preparation, with the aim of informing the public on health matters. The information contained within is for general informational purposes and does not substitute for diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or personalized medical advice.
Since each individual's health status and treatment requirements are different, diagnosis and treatment decisions must be made by a physician as a result of the person's clinical evaluation, examination, and necessary tests. Since scientific knowledge and medical practices may change over time, the information included in the content can be updated. In addition, some medical branches, tests, and treatment facilities discussed in our health guide may not be included in the current service scope or staff of our hospital.
If you have any complaints or concerns regarding your health, you can schedule an appointment with our physicians in line with the medical branches and services offered by our hospital, or consult your nearest healthcare institution.
