Why in the news?
- Democratic Republic of Congo authorities declared the end of Ebola cases in the country.
Ebola Virus
- Origin of Name: The virus is named after the Ebola river (Republic of Congo ) — as a village situated on its bank witnessed the first instance of the viral outbreak in 1976.
- Cause: Ebola virus, a member of the Filoviridae family.
- Symptoms:
- Early: Fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat.
- Advanced: Vomiting, diarrhea, rash, organ failure, and internal/external bleeding.
- Transmission
- Animal to Human: From fruit bats (natural hosts), primates, infected animals.
- Human to Human
- Direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or body fluids of infected persons.
- Contaminated surfaces and objects.
- Diagnosis: Blood tests (PCR, ELISA) and differential diagnosis to rule out similar diseases.
- Treatment:
- Supportive care (rehydration, symptom management).
- Monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Inmazeb, Ebanga) and experimental antivirals.
- Prevention:
- Vaccination with Ervebo.
- Use of PPE, safe burial practices, and public health awareness.