Ebola Virus Disease Overview

Ebola virus disease is a severe infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus, characterized by rapid symptom progression and high fatality rates. Initial symptoms may resemble those of the flu, but as the disease progresses, severe manifestations such as multiple organ failure may occur. Understanding the symptom characteristics and seeking timely medical attention is crucial, as early treatment can improve survival rates.

The symptoms of this disease have a rapid deterioration characteristic, with patients potentially showing the first symptoms within 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. Early signs such as fever and muscle pain are often overlooked, but typical symptoms such as internal bleeding and skin bruising may follow. Healthcare providers need to closely monitor symptom changes to assess the severity of the condition.

Early Symptoms and Signs

The early symptoms of Ebola virus disease typically appear 5 to 7 days after infection, with initial manifestations similar to common febrile illnesses, making it easy to misdiagnose. Typical early symptoms include:

• High fever (body temperature often exceeding 38°C)
• Headache and musculoskeletal pain
• Fatigue and general malaise
• Sore throat and mild diarrhea

These symptoms may persist for several days and gradually worsen; if not treated promptly, they can quickly develop into a severe stage.

Incubation Period and Initial Differences

The average incubation period for the virus is 8 to 10 days, during which the patient is asymptomatic and non-infectious. Once the disease onset phase begins, body temperature will suddenly rise, accompanied by muscle and joint pain, which may be mistaken for influenza or malaria. The key feature of this stage is the combination of fever and systemic discomfort, which should be assessed in conjunction with the epidemiological history (such as contact with outbreak areas).

Common Symptoms

Symptoms in the moderate to severe stages gradually manifest, including:

• Persistent high fever (body temperature may reach above 40°C)
• Severe diarrhea and vomiting, possibly containing blood
• Skin rashes, typically appearing on days 5 to 7 of the illness
• Abdominal pain, chest pain, and difficulty breathing

These symptoms may vary due to individual immune responses, but a common feature is the trend of systemic inflammatory response and multi-organ failure.

Gastrointestinal Abnormalities

Gastrointestinal symptoms are a prominent feature of Ebola virus disease, with diarrhea and vomiting potentially occurring dozens of times a day, leading to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Vomit and excrement may contain blood, indicating that the virus has invaded the mucosal tissues of the digestive tract. Close monitoring of fluid balance is required during this stage, along with preventing secondary infections.

Disease Progression and Symptom Changes

The progression of the disease can be divided into three stages:

• Early Stage (1-3 days): Characterized by fever and muscle pain
• Mid Stage (4-7 days): Appearance of skin rashes and gastrointestinal symptoms
• Severe Stage (after 7 days): Symptoms such as bleeding tendencies and organ failure

The severity of symptoms is related to viral load, patient age, and underlying medical history; severe patients may experience coagulopathy and multi-organ failure.

Bleeding Tendencies and End-Stage Symptoms

In the late stage of the disease, approximately 30-50% of patients will exhibit bleeding phenomena, including gum bleeding, subcutaneous bruising, or internal bleeding. Severe cases may bleed from mucosal surfaces or injection sites and may be accompanied by renal failure and liver dysfunction. The mortality rate in this stage is extremely high, necessitating immediate intensive care and supportive treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If any of the following conditions occur, immediate medical attention should be sought:

• Contact with an Ebola patient or their bodily fluids
• Recent travel to or work in an outbreak area
• Fever exceeding 38.5°C accompanied by unexplained bleeding

Even if symptoms are mild, if there is an epidemiological contact history, health authorities should be notified immediately, and isolation should be observed.

Emergency Warning Signs

The following symptoms are indicators for immediate medical attention:

• Unexplained skin bruising or mucosal bleeding
• Persistent vomiting and severe diarrhea leading to dehydration
• Shortness of breath accompanied by low blood pressure

Medical institutions must confirm the diagnosis through PCR testing and antibody tests, and once confirmed, isolation and treatment protocols should be initiated immediately.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can one distinguish the early symptoms of Ebola virus disease from a common cold or flu?

The early symptoms of Ebola virus disease, such as fever, fatigue, and muscle pain, are similar to those of influenza or a cold, but may quickly progress to internal bleeding, external bleeding, or multiple organ failure. If there has been recent contact with outbreak areas or suspected cases, and symptoms continue to worsen, immediate medical attention should be sought, and travel history should be disclosed.

Are there currently vaccines or treatments available for Ebola virus disease?

The "rVSV-ZEBOV" vaccine has been developed, providing high protection for contacts, but it is not yet widely used. Treatment primarily consists of supportive therapy, including fluid replacement, electrolyte balance, and management of complications; experimental drugs such as monoclonal antibodies (like Inmazeb) have been approved for use in some countries.

What is the duration of isolation observation after contact with a patient?

The incubation period for the Ebola virus is typically 2 to 21 days, and contacts must undergo 21 days of health monitoring. If fever or other symptoms occur during this period, immediate isolation and virus testing must be conducted to interrupt the transmission chain.

How can one reduce the risk of infection in daily life?

Avoid contact with infected animals (such as bats or primates) or bodily fluids of patients; healthcare workers should wear protective clothing, gloves, and masks. In outbreak areas, thoroughly cooked meat should be consumed, and participation in traditional funerals should be avoided, as handling the bodies of the deceased may increase the risk of infection.

Why do some people recover after being infected with the Ebola virus while others die?

The chances of recovery are closely related to the timing of treatment, the patient’s immune status, and the quality of supportive care. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve survival rates, but if the condition progresses to bleeding or organ failure stages, the mortality rate will rise significantly.