Details on Ebola Virus Disease

The Ervebo vaccine has been shown to be effective in protecting people from the species Zaire ebolavirus, and it is recommended by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation as part of a broader set of tools for responding to outbreaks of Ebola. The vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States in December 2020 and prequalified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for use in individuals 18 years of age and older (with the exception of women who are pregnant or breastfeeding) for the purpose of providing protection against Ebola virus disease that is caused by the Zaire Ebola virus.

How Does One Contract Ebola

Ebola is not nearly as contagious as other viruses, such as those that cause the common cold, influenza, or measles. It is transmitted from infected animals, such as monkeys, chimpanzees, or fruit bats, to humans through direct contact with the infected animal’s skin or bodily fluids. After that, it spreads from one person to the next in the same manner. Those who provide care for sick people or bury those who have passed away as a result of the disease are more likely to become infected themselves.

Touching contaminated needles or surfaces is an additional risk factor for contracting Ebola.

Ebola cannot be transmitted through contact with the air, water, or food. A person who is infected with Ebola but displays no symptoms is also unable to pass on the disease.

What Kind of Symptoms Does Ebola Cause?

In its early stages, Ebola can have symptoms that are similar to those of the flu or other illnesses. Symptoms typically appear between 2 and 21 days after infection and include the following:

High temperature

Headache

Aching in the joints and muscles

Aching in the throat Weakness

Ache in the stomach

A failure of the appetite

As the disease progresses, it causes bleeding to occur not only inside the body but also from the eyes, ears, and nose as well. Some people will experience bleeding from the mouth or nose, bloody or watery diarrhoea, and a rash.

How is the Ebola Virus Identified

It can be difficult to determine whether or not a person has Ebola based solely on their symptoms. Tests might be done to eliminate the possibility of other diseases, such as cholera or malaria.

Ebola can also be diagnosed through testing of the blood and tissues.

In order to stop the disease from spreading further, anyone who tests positive for Ebola will be quarantined immediately.

How Is Ebola Managed Medically

Although there is currently no treatment available for Ebola, scientists are actively working to develop one. There are two drug treatments that have been given the green light for use in the treatment of Ebola. The drug known as Inmazeb is a combination of three different monoclonal antibodies (atoltivimab, motivima, and odesivimab-ebgn). Ebanga, also known as ansuvimab-zykl, is a monoclonal antibody that is administered intravenously. It does this by interposing itself between the virus and the cell receptor, thereby preventing the virus from entering the cell.

The following treatments are used to manage the symptoms of Ebola:

Electrolytes and other fluids

Oxygen

Medication for treating high blood pressure

Transfusions of donor blood

Medications for the treatment of other infections

Conclusion

Eliminating or significantly lowering the risk of human-to-human transmission of Ebola through close or direct contact with people who are ill with the disease, particularly through their bodily fluids. When providing care for sick patients, it is imperative that appropriate gloves and other personal protective equipment be worn at all times. Hand hygiene must be maintained on a consistent basis after visiting patients in the hospital as well as after providing care to patients in their own homes.