Ebola Disease: Key Facts, Transmission, and Treatment

Ebola disease (EBOD) is a rare but severe and often fatal illness in humans. It is caused by viruses belonging to the Orthoebolavirus genus. Three of these species, Ebola virus (EBOV), Sudan virus (SUDV), and Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), are known to cause large outbreaks.

Approved vaccines and treatments are available for Ebola virus disease (EVD). However, there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for other Ebola diseases, such as those caused by Sudan virus or Bundibugyo virus, although candidate products are under development.

The average case fatality rate for Ebola disease is around 50%, with past outbreaks reporting rates between 25% and 90%. Early, intensive supportive care, including rehydration and symptom management, significantly improves survival chances.

Transmission to humans is thought to originate from infected animals, such as fruit bats, through direct contact with their blood, secretions, or other bodily fluids. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, living or deceased, or via contaminated objects. Healthcare workers are at risk of infection due to close patient contact if infection control precautions are not strictly followed. Burial ceremonies involving direct contact with the deceased can also contribute to transmission.

Symptoms, appearing 2 to 21 days after infection, typically begin suddenly with fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and headache, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Bleeding symptoms are less common and may appear later in the disease. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through laboratory tests like RT-PCR, and treatment focuses on supportive care.