What are the symptoms of Ebola virus disease?
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Symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
Early Symptoms: Fever, Fatigue, and Muscle Pain
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) often begins with non-specific symptoms that can be mistaken for other illnesses. Early signs include fever, fatigue, and muscle pain. Fever is one of the most common initial symptoms, reported in up to 84% of patients4 5. Fatigue is also prevalent, affecting around 65% to 80% of patients4 5. Muscle pain, or myalgia, is another early symptom frequently observed in EVD cases2 3 8.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Abdominal Pain
As the disease progresses, gastrointestinal symptoms become prominent. Vomiting and diarrhea are particularly common, with diarrhea affecting up to 62% of patients4 5. These symptoms contribute to severe dehydration, which is a critical concern in EVD management4. Abdominal pain and nausea are also frequently reported, adding to the gastrointestinal distress experienced by patients9.
Hemorrhagic Symptoms: Bleeding and Conjunctivitis
One of the most alarming aspects of EVD is its hemorrhagic manifestations. Patients may experience bleeding from various body openings, including the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to severe complications2 9. Conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the eye, is another symptom that appears later in the disease and is strongly associated with EVD1 2.
Neurological and Systemic Symptoms: Confusion and Multi-Organ Dysfunction
Neurological symptoms such as confusion are also observed, particularly in the later stages of the disease. Confusion is more than three times as likely to predict a diagnosis of Ebola1. Systemic symptoms include multi-organ dysfunction, which can lead to fulminant shock and eventually death if not managed effectively10.
Long-Term Complications: Musculoskeletal and Visual Issues
Survivors of EVD often face long-term complications. Musculoskeletal issues, such as joint pain, and visual problems are common among those who have recovered from the acute phase of the disease6. These symptoms can persist for years and significantly impact the quality of life of survivors6.
Conclusion
Ebola Virus Disease presents a wide range of symptoms that evolve as the disease progresses. Early symptoms like fever, fatigue, and muscle pain can quickly escalate to severe gastrointestinal and hemorrhagic manifestations. Neurological symptoms and multi-organ dysfunction are also critical concerns. Understanding these symptoms is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management of EVD.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Meta-analysis of predictive symptoms for Ebola virus disease
Confusion, conjunctivitis, dysphagia, and jaundice are highly predictive of Ebola diagnosis, while early symptoms like diarrhoea, fatigue, vomiting, fever, muscle pain, and cough are also useful for future risk stratification.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalSymptomless infection with Ebola virus
Ebola virus infection is a highly contagious, highly hemorrhagic, and often fatal disease affecting central Africa.
Menace of Ebola Virus Disease: A Review
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a deadly disease that affects humans and apes, with rapid geographic propagation, non-specific clinical presentation, lack of adequate vaccine and specific diagnostic assays as challenges to combat.
Systematic ReviewClinical presentation of patients with Ebola virus disease in Conakry, Guinea.
Ebola virus disease patients in Conakry, Guinea, experienced dehydration, vomiting, and severe diarrhea, leading to a 43% death rate despite attempts at volume repletion, antimicrobial therapy, and limited laboratory services.
Observational StudyRigorous Journal
Highly CitedClinical Management of Ebola Virus Disease in the United States and Europe.
Close monitoring and aggressive supportive care, including intravenous fluids, electrolyte correction, nutritional support, and critical care management for respiratory and renal failure, led to 81.5% survival in U.S. and European Ebola patients.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedLong-Term Complications of Ebola Virus Disease: Prevalence and Predictors of Major Symptoms and the Role of Inflammation.
Post-Ebola Virus Disease complications occur in most survivors and persist for more than 4 years, but no significant association was found between inflammation and individual symptoms.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalEbola virus disease
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe and often lethal disease caused by the filovirus Ebola virus (EBOV).
Highly CitedAn Overview of Ebola Virus Disease
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a life-threatening viral disease with a fatality rate ranging from 30% to 90%, occurring primarily in remote villages near the Ebola River.
Ebola Virus Disease (Evd): Nigeria Perspective
The Ebola virus disease spreads through direct contact between people and body fluids, with only Zaire ebolavirus and rVSV-ZEBOV vaccines effectively preventing its spread.
The Interaction of Ebola Virus with the Immune System Ebola and Immunity
Recent advances in monoclonal antibodies and vaccines show promise in treating Ebola, but further study and development of effective treatments are crucial for preventing its spread and reducing deaths.
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