Symptoms

The symptoms of Ebola typically start suddenly and include:

1. Fever
2. Headache
3. Muscle pain and weakness
4. Fatigue
5. Sore throat
6. Vomiting
7. Diarrhea
8. Rash
9. Abdominal pain
10. Unexplained bleeding or bruising

Symptoms can appear between 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. As the disease progresses, patients can experience severe dehydration, organ failure, and even death. It’s important to note that not all patients with Ebola will experience all of these symptoms.

Treatments

Currently, there is no specific treatment or cure for Ebola virus disease. Treatment is mainly focused on supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. This includes:

1. Providing intravenous fluids and electrolytes to manage dehydration
2. Maintaining oxygen levels and blood pressure
3. Treating other infections that may occur
4. Using pain relievers and medication to control fever
5. Providing emotional and psychological support to patients and their families

Experimental treatments such as antiviral drugs, immune-based therapies, and blood transfusions from survivors are being developed and tested, but their efficacy is still being evaluated.

Preventing the spread of Ebola is also crucial in controlling the disease. This includes identifying and isolating infected patients, practicing good hygiene, using personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks, and avoiding contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. Vaccines for Ebola have also been developed and are being used in affected regions to prevent the spread of the disease.