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Alternative names Return to top
Ebola virus infection; Viral hemorrhagic feverDefinition Return to top
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe illness likely transmitted to humans from infected animals and animal materials. It causes shock and severe bleeding abnormalities.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Ebola fever) is a viral disease that is limited to parts of Africa. It has been newsworthy worldwide because of its destructive potential.
The exact mode of transmission is not understood. The incubation period appears to be up to 1 week, at which time the patient develops fatigue, malaise, headache, backache, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Within a week, a raised (papular) rash appears over the entire body. The rash is often hemorrhagic (contains blood). Hemorrhaging generally occurs from the gastrointestinal tract, causing the patient to bleed from both the mouth and rectum. Mortality is high, reaching 90%. Patients usually die from shock rather than blood loss.
Symptoms Return to top
Early:
Late:
Signs and tests Return to top
There may be signs and symptoms of:
Tests used in the diagnosis of Ebola fever include:
Treatment Return to top
There is no known cure for the disorder at this time.
The patient will be hospitalized and will likely need intensive care. Supportive measures for shock will be used (including medications and intravenous fluids).
There will be an attempt to correct bleeding abnormalities, often including transfusions of platelets and/or fresh blood.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
There is a high fatality rate for this disorder (80% to 90%).
Complications Return to top
Survivors may have unusual problems, such as hair loss and sensory changes.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
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 help improve the chances of survival.
Prevention Return to top
Avoid areas of epidemics. Absolute gown, glove, and mask precautions are necessary around sick patients. These precautions will greatly decrease the risk of transmission.
Update Date: 2/4/2004 Updated by: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |