The Ebola virus is a deadly disease that threatens global public health. It is known to cause severe viral hemorrhagic fever, presenting a high risk of death.
The Ebola virus was first identified in 1976 in northern Zaire, where it caused a major outbreak of fatal illness, with a mortality rate of 88%. It is thought to have originated from animal hosts such as bats, which transmit it to humans through contact with bodily fluids.
The 2014 outbreak of the Ebola virus was the most severe since its discovery, spreading across West Africa and causing over 27,000 cases and 11,000 deaths in 2014-2015.
The virus spreads through contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, such as saliva, blood, and vomit, or contact with objects contaminated by infected secretions.
Early symptoms of Ebola virus infection include fever, dizziness, headaches, severe muscle aches, and pain.
In 2018, an outbreak occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing over 300 people.
The Ebola virus disease has a fatality rate of up to 90%, although recent outbreaks have mortality rates between 40-50%.
Treatment for those suffering from the Ebola virus includes supportive therapy, hydration, and fever reduction.
There is no specific cure or vaccine for the Ebola virus, although experimental vaccines have been tested in trials.
ZMapp is an experimental vaccine developed to combat the virus, acting as a monoclonal antibody therapeutic to stop virus replication.
Recommendations to help prevent the spread of the Ebola virus include avoiding contact with infected individuals, washing hands regularly, and using universal hygiene and infection control measures.
