A recent Ebola outbreak in Ituri province, Congo, has resulted in 88 fatalities and over 300 suspected cases, with exposure reported for at least six Americans.
Media sources indicate that a patient in the U.S. is showing symptoms.
The situation has escalated globally following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a public health emergency of international concern. That announcement came on Saturday.
According to a CDC report, there have been no infections associated with this outbreak in the United States, noting that the risk level for Americans and travelers remains low.
To mitigate potential spread, the CDC and DHS issued travel health advisories for Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday.
Here’s what you should be aware of regarding the current international Ebola situation.
What causes Ebola hemorrhagic fever?
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a rare but severe and often lethal illness caused by ortho-Ebola viruses.
Four types of viruses are known to cause this illness:
- Bundibugyo virus
- Ebola virus
- Sudan virus
- Thai forest virus
Public health officials have linked the ongoing outbreak to the Bundibugyo virus, which has a mortality rate of 25% to 50%.
Previously, the Ebola Zaire strain has been the dominant one in outbreaks in Congo, including the significant one from 2018 to 2020 that claimed over 1,000 lives in the eastern region.
How is the Ebola virus transmitted?
The Ebola virus is believed to originate from African free-tailed bats, with the potential for it to spread to other animals through contact with infected body fluids.
Though infrequent, humans can pass the virus to one another if an infected animal transmits it to them.
This transmission can occur through contact with blood, body fluids, or surfaces contaminated with such fluids. Additionally, contact with infected animals, particularly bats, primates, and forest antelopes, can lead to infection.
Interestingly, recovery can still leave traces of the virus in the semen of male survivors. However, no evidence suggests that the virus is transmitted through the vaginal secretions of infected women.
There’s also no proof that mosquitoes or any kind of insects spread the virus, nor is Ebola airborne.
The virus starts spreading once symptoms appear—though transmission can continue even if symptoms lessen.
Some survivors might develop antibodies that last up to a decade, granting possible protection, but it’s still unclear if they can be reinfected by different strains.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of Ebola hemorrhagic fever can emerge from 2 to 21 days post-exposure, usually appearing around 8 to 10 days later.
Initial symptoms, often referred to as “dry” symptoms, can include:
- Fever
- Muscle and joint pain
- Severe headache
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
Roughly five days after symptom onset, patients may move to “wet” symptoms like a loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.
Additional symptoms may consist of chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, rash, and seizures.
Severe early symptoms can lead to death, but survivors might experience a prolonged fever before recovery begins.
Long-term effects for survivors can include headaches, fatigue, joint pain, vision issues, and fluctuations in weight and appetite.
How can Ebola hemorrhagic fever be prevented?
To prevent infection, it’s essential to avoid contact with the bodily fluids of sick individuals. This includes anything from blood to sweat and vomit.
Any items that might have come into contact with an infected person’s fluids—like clothes and bedding—should also be avoided.
Steering clear of animals (and their fluids), such as bats and primates, is crucial.
If you must interact with anyone who is unwell or has passed away from Ebola, wearing personal protective equipment is advisable.
Is there a vaccine?
Currently, there is a safe, FDA-approved vaccine for Ebola called Elbebo. However, it only targets one specific virus associated with the disease.
There’s still no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo virus.
This vaccine comes in a single dose and is recommended for individuals over 12 months of age, particularly U.S. adults at risk.
How is Ebola treated?
Blood tests can help in the detection of Ebola but can be tricky as the symptoms can resemble other infectious diseases like malaria and typhoid fever.
Two FDA-approved antibody treatments, Inmazeb and Evanga, can assist the body in overcoming the infection as it restores immune function.
These treatments are generally accompanied by supportive care, including IV fluids, electrolyte replacement, supplemental oxygen, and medications for blood pressure maintenance.
