Ebola Quiz

Understanding Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a rare but severe, often fatal illness in humans. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission. Understanding its characteristics, transmission routes, and prevention methods is crucial for public health and global safety.

Transmission and Symptoms

Ebola is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids. It is not an airborne virus.

• Early Symptoms: Sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat.
• Later Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, symptoms of impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.

The Natural Reservoir of Ebola

While the exact origin is not fully understood, fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered likely to be the natural hosts of the Ebola virus. The virus can then be introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, or organs of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope or porcupines found ill or dead in the rainforest.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing EVD early can be difficult as its initial symptoms are non-specific. However, once suspected, laboratory tests on blood samples can confirm the diagnosis. While there is no cure for EVD, supportive care—rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids—and treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival. Two monoclonal antibody treatments (Inmazeb and Ebanga) were approved for treating EVD in 2020.

Prevention and Control

Controlling outbreaks requires a coordinated package of interventions, including case management, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, and social mobilisation. Key prevention measures include:

• Avoiding direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.
• Implementing strict infection control procedures in hospitals.
• Practicing safe burial ceremonies.
• Using approved vaccines, such as rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo), for at-risk populations.

History of Major Outbreaks

The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa was the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered in 1976. It caused more cases and deaths than all other outbreaks combined and demonstrated the challenge of controlling the virus in densely populated urban areas.

Post-Ebola Syndrome

Many survivors of Ebola experience long-term health problems, often referred to as Post-Ebola Syndrome. These can include muscle and joint pain, vision problems, fatigue, and neurological issues. This highlights the need for ongoing medical care and support for survivors long after they have cleared the virus.

This information is for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns.