Ebola

Ebola Virus Disease

A rare but severe illness in humans that is often fatal.

Vaccines

Vaccines for some types of Ebola have been used to control outbreaks. Other vaccines are in development.

Supportive Care

Early rehydration and treatment of symptoms improve survival rates.

Monoclonal Antibodies

WHO recommends the use of mAb114 (Ansuvimab; Ebanga) and REGN

Fatality Rate

The average case fatality rate is around 50%, varying from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks.

Outbreak Control

Requires patient care, infection prevention, surveillance, contact tracing, good laboratory services, safe burials, and social mobilization.

Community Engagement

Essential for successful Ebola outbreak control.

Transmission

Ebola is transmitted through contact with infected animals, body fluids of infected persons, or contaminated objects.

Initial Symptoms

Include fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and bleeding.

Incubation Period

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 21 days after infection, with contagiousness starting after symptom onset.

Long

term Effects

Diagnosis

Confirmed through methods like ELISA, RT

Treatment

Supportive care includes fluids, blood transfusions, and medicines for infections, pain, nausea, and diarrhea.

Zaire Ebola Vaccine

The Ervebo vaccine is effective against the Zaire type of Ebola.

Prevention

Key measures include handwashing, avoiding body fluids of infected persons, safe burial practices, and vaccination.

Outbreak Response

Includes case management, surveillance, contact tracing, vaccination, and social mobilization.

Risk Factors

Reducing wildlife

Healthcare Worker Precautions

Use personal protective equipment, safe injection practices, and infection control measures to prevent transmission.

WHO Role

Supports countries in outbreak preparedness, response, and Ebola virus disease control through surveillance, vaccination, and community engagement.

Ebola Virus Species

The genus Ebolavirus includes six species: Zaire, Bundibugyo, Sudan, Taï Forest, Reston, and Bombali.

Animal Hosts

Thought to be fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, with human infections occurring through close contact with infected animals.

Pregnant Women

May carry the virus in breast milk or pregnancy

Burial Ceremonies

Direct contact with deceased bodies can contribute to Ebola transmission.

Sexual Transmission

Possible after recovery, emphasizing the importance of awareness and preventive measures for survivors.