Ebola is a potentially fatal contagious illness caused by infection with a virus. This eMedTV article offers an overview of this illness, including information about its cause, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment.
The cause of Ebola is infection with the Ebola virus. This section of the eMedTV library identifies the three subtypes of the virus known to cause Ebola in humans and explains how Ebola is transmitted from one person to another.
The Ebola virus is a type of RNA virus that causes the disease known as Ebola. This segment of the eMedTV library provides a detailed overview of this virus, including the different subtypes, transmission, and possible locations of Ebola.
As this eMedTV article explains, Ebola outbreaks have occurred sporadically since 1976, mostly in Africa. This portion of the Web site provides detailed information about the confirmed outbreaks that have occurred since the virus was first recognized.
As this eMedTV resource explains, transmission of Ebola among humans occurs through direct contact with an infected person or his or her body fluids. This article also discusses why outbreaks of Ebola tend to spread quickly in African hospitals.
The Ebola incubation period (time between infection and the onset of symptoms) ranges from 2 to 21 days. This eMedTV article discusses the incubation period for Ebola, which runs from four to six days on average.
Signs and symptoms of Ebola may include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and a hacking cough. This eMedTV page describes these and other signs and symptoms of Ebola. Symptoms of Ebola often begin abruptly four to six days after infection.
A doctor will often perform a physical exam and order lab tests to make an Ebola diagnosis. This eMedTV resource describes the challenges involved in diagnosing Ebola in its early stages, when its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions.
Ebola treatment usually consists of providing supportive care while the body fights the infection. This eMedTV segment describes aspects of treatment for Ebola, which may include antibiotics, oxygen, IV fluids, and good nursing care.
Ebola prevention involves avoiding direct contact with those who are infected. This eMedTV article explains the challenges inherent in preventing Ebola and stresses the importance of using proper barrier techniques at healthcare facilities.
There is no cure for Ebola. Once symptoms of the disease begin, doctors can only offer supportive care. This eMedTV Web segment discusses current treatments for Ebola and explains that a vaccine is being tested that could prevent infections.
An experimental Ebola vaccine has been shown to be effective in monkeys. However, as explained on this eMedTV Web page, more research needs to be done before such a vaccine is licensed for use in humans, which could have implications for other diseases.
Current Ebola research includes a study on an experimental vaccine that may prevent the virus. This eMedTV article looks at research now under way to better understand and treat Ebola, such as studies of new diagnostic tools.
