Fast Facts About Ebola

Ebola is a virus with a high fatality rate that was first identified in Africa in 1976. There are five subspecies of the Ebola virus. Ebola is Extremely Infectious and Moderately Contagious. There is no Specific Treatment or Vaccine for Ebola. Fatality ra…

Ebola is a virus with a high fatality rate that was first identified in Africa in 1976.

Sub-Species of Ebola

There are five subspecies of the Ebola virus: Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV), Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV), Taï Forest ebolavirus (TAFV) and Reston ebolavirus (RESTV)

What is Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever?

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a disease caused by one of five different Ebola viruses. Four of the strains can cause severe illness in humans and animals. The fifth, Reston virus, has caused illness in some animals, but not in humans.

First Human Ebola Outbreaks Occurred in 1976

In 1976, there were two outbreaks. One occurred in northern Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) in Central Africa; the other, in southern Sudan (now South Sudan).

How Did the Ebola Virus Get its Name?

The virus is named after the Ebola River, where the virus was first recognized in 1976, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ebola is Extremely Infectious but not Extremely Contagious

It is infectious, because an infinitesimally small amount can cause illness. Laboratory experiments on nonhuman primates suggest that even a single virus may be enough to trigger a fatal infection.

Ebola could be considered moderately contagious, because the virus is not transmitted through the air. The most contagious diseases, such as measles or influenza, virus particles are airborne.

How Do Humans Become Infected with Ebola?

Humans can be infected by other humans if they come in contact with body fluids from an infected person or contaminated objects from infected persons. Humans can also be exposed to the virus, for example, by butchering infected animals. Ebola is not transmissible if someone is asymptomatic or once someone has recovered from it. However, the virus has been found in semen for up to three months.

Unprotected health care workers are susceptible to infection because of their close contact with patients during treatment.

While the exact reservoir of Ebola viruses is still unknown, researchers believe the most likely natural hosts are fruit bats.

What are the Symptoms of Ebola?

Symptoms of Ebola typically include weakness, fever, aches, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. Additional experiences include rash, red eyes, chest pain, throat soreness, difficulty breathing or swallowing and bleeding (including internal).

Typically, symptoms appear 8-10 days after exposure to the virus, but the incubation period can span two to 21 days.

Deadly human Ebola outbreaks have been confirmed in the following countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Gabon, South Sudan, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Republic of the Congo (ROC), Guinea and Liberia.

There is no Specific Treatment or Vaccine for Ebola

This is according to the World Health Organization. They also claim the fatality rate can be up to 90%. Patients are given supportive care, which includes providing fluids and electrolytes and food until they fight off the virus or succumb to it.