Ebola outbreak

Just weeks after an outbreak of a dangerous virus on a cruise ship, another deadly disease is dominating headlines.

The Ebola outbreak in Africa continues to grow, with nearly 1,000 suspected cases and more than 200 deaths. In mid-May, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

“Ebola is caused by orthoebolaviruses, which are mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa. These viruses can cause severe, often fatal illness,” explained Shalika Katugaha, MD, system director of Infectious Diseases for Baptist Health. "Four species of ebolavirus are known to cause disease in humans: Bundibugyo, Zaire (commonly called Ebola), Sudan, and Taï Forest. This current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is the Bundibugyo virus."

What are the symptoms of Ebola?

Symptoms may begin anywhere from two days to three weeks after exposure, with most people becoming ill between eight and 10 days.

Dr. Katugaha described the early signs as “dry” symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Muscle and joint pain
• Headache
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Sore throat

Symptoms progress four to five days later and may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained bleeding
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea

Other possible symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Red eyes
• Rash
• Hiccups
• Seizures

“Because its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, Ebola can be mistaken for more common infectious diseases,” Dr. Katugaha said. “Patients who die from Ebola often develop severe symptoms early in the illness. Survivors may have a fever for several days and typically begin to improve about six days after symptoms start.”

How does Ebola spread?

Experts believe a certain family of fruit bats are the natural hosts of orthoebolaviruses, though it can be found in other animals like chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, antelopes and porcupines. The virus can spread to humans through close contact with an infected animal’s blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids.

Human-to-human transmission of Ebola occurs from direct contact through broken skin or mucous membranes with:

• Blood or other body fluids of someone who is sick with or has died from Ebola.
• Objects or surfaces contaminated with blood, feces or vomit from an infected person.

“A person who has Ebola will remain infectious as long as the virus is present in their blood, which may be even after death. That’s why burial ceremonies that involve direct contact with the body of someone who died from Ebola can also spread the disease,” Dr. Katugaha explained. “People can’t spread Ebola before symptoms begin. You can’t get Ebola by being near someone or passing them in public, because it doesn’t spread through the air.”

How is Ebola treated?

There are vaccines and treatments for some strains of Ebola, but not the Bundibugyo virus.

“Survival improves with early supportive care, including fluids and treatment for symptoms like fever, high blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, and other infections that may occur during the illness,” she said.

Are people in the United States at risk?

To try to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is screening travelers arriving to the United States from outbreak areas for symptoms and possible exposure.

While the virus should be taken seriously, Dr. Katugaha said it’s not time for people in the U.S. to panic.

“No Ebola cases related to this outbreak have been confirmed in the United States,” she said. “The risk of it spreading to the United States remains low, and the risk to people in the United States and travelers is very low. Anyone who believes they were exposed to someone with Ebola and develops symptoms should contact a doctor immediately.”

If you’re concerned about Ebola or other viruses and want guidance on preventive measures, your primary care physician can help. Use the Find a Doctor tool or schedule an appointment online.

Reference: World Health Organization