Ebola Information

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to ebola information including topics such as treatments for ebola, what causes ebola?, and ebola prevention. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Description of Articles in Ebola Information

Ebola fever is a contagious and often fatal illness caused by a virus. This page of the eMedTV Web site discusses where outbreaks of Ebola fever have occurred, identifies symptoms of the illness, and explains how Ebola fever is treated.

What causes Ebola? As explained in this section of the eMedTV library, Ebola is caused by an infection with the Ebola virus. This article briefly discusses what causes Ebola and offers a link to additional information.

Ebola is caused by the Ebola virus, which can be transmitted from person to person. This part of the eMedTV library covers the transmission, symptoms, and treatment of the Ebola virus, as well as the possibility of Ebola being used for bioterrorism.

An Ebola outbreak is caused by an infection with the Ebola virus. The information in this eMedTV segment explains the different types of the Ebola virus, and when and where an Ebola outbreak has occurred, over the past forty years.

The spread of Ebola can occur through direct contact with an infected person or his or her body fluids. This eMedTV page discusses the spread of Ebola in hospitals and laboratories, and defines the incubation period for the virus.

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.

Ebola virus symptoms can include diarrhea, fever, severe headaches, and internal and external bleeding. This eMedTV segment lists symptoms that are associated with the Ebola virus, which also may include vomiting, stomach pain, and a rash.

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.

Treatments for Ebola are used to relieve symptoms of the virus and prevent secondary infections. As this eMedTV article explains, these treatments for Ebola include oxygen, antibiotics, other medications, 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.

Is there a cure for Ebola? At present, there is no cure for Ebola. This section of the eMedTV archives discusses supportive care for Ebola as well as research on a new vaccine that may help to prevent Ebola outbreaks in the future.

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 an Ebola vaccine is licensed for use in humans.

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.