What is Ebola Virus?
Ebola virus is a highly infectious & deadly virus that causes a severe & often fatal illness known as Ebola virus disease (EVD) or simply Ebola.
The virus was first identified in 1976 in a remote region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly known as Zaire) near the Ebola River, from which it takes its name.
Ebola virus is a member of the family Filoviridae, which also includes the Marburg virus.
The virus is transmitted to humans from wild animals, such as fruit bats, monkeys, & apes, & can be spread between humans through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
The symptoms of Ebola virus disease can include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, & unexplained hemorrhage (bleeding or bruising).
These symptoms can appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after infection and can be severe & life-threatening.
There is currently no specific treatment or cure for Ebola virus disease, but supportive care, such as intravenous fluids, & electrolyte replacement.
For More Stories