Ebola (patient information)

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Overview
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe and often deadly illness that can occur in humans and in primates (monkeys, gorillas). Ebola hemorrhagic fever has made worldwide news because of its destructive potential.

What causes Ebola?
Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Ebola fever) is caused by a virus belonging to the family called Filoviridae. Scientists have identified four types of the Ebola virus. Three have been reported to cause disease in humans: Ebola-Zaire virus, Ebola-Sudan virus, and Ebola-Ivory Coast virus. The human disease has so far been limited to parts of Africa. A very small number of people in the United States who were infected with the fourth type of the virus, known as Ebola Reston, did not develop any signs of disease. The disease can be passed to humans from infected animals and animal materials. Ebola can also be spread between humans by close contact with infected bodily fluids or through infected needles in the hospital.

What are the symptoms of Ebola?
During the incubation period, which can last about 1 week, symptoms include:
 * Arthritis
 * Backache (low-back pain)
 * Chills
 * Diarrhea
 * Fatigue
 * Fever
 * Headache
 * Malaise
 * Nausea
 * Sore throat
 * Vomiting

Late symptoms include: As many as 90% of patients die from the disease. Patients usually die from shock rather than from blood loss.
 * Bleeding from eyes, ears, and nose
 * Bleeding from the mouth and rectum (gastrointestinal bleeding)
 * Depression
 * Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis)
 * Genital swelling (labia and scrotum)
 * Increased feeling of pain in skin
 * Rash over the entire body that often contains blood (hemorrhagic)
 * Roof of mouth looks red
 * Seizures, coma, delirium

Who is at highest risk?
Persons at an increased risk for Ebola include:
 * If you have traveled to an area of the world where Ebola occurs frequently (such as Central Africa).
 * Hospital staff/caregivers for patients with Ebola.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you have traveled to Africa (or if you know you have been exposed to Ebola fever) and you develop symptoms of the disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve the chances of survival.

Diagnosis
There may be signs and symptoms of: Tests used to diagnose Ebola fever include:
 * Coma
 * Disseminated intravascular coagulation
 * Shock
 * CBC
 * Electrolytes
 * Tests of how well the blood will clot (coagulation studies)
 * Tests to show whether someone has been exposed to the Ebola virus

Treatment options
There is no known cure. Existing medicines that fight viruses (antivirals) do not work well against Ebola virus. The patient is usually hospitalized and will most likely need intensive care. Supportive measures for shock include medications and fluids given through a vein. Bleeding problems may require transfusions of platelets or fresh blood.

Where to find medical care for Ebola?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Ebola

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
As many as 90% of patients die from the disease. Patients usually die from shock rather than blood loss.

Possible complications
Survivors may have unusual problems, such as hair loss and sensory changes.

Prevention
Avoid areas in which there are epidemics. Wear a gown, gloves, and mask around sick patients. These precautions will greatly decrease the risk of transmission.

Alternative names
Ebola virus infection; Viral hemorrhagic fever