Ebola Symptoms

In cases of Ebola, symptoms typically begin to develop within about four to six days of being infected. Symptoms of Ebola commonly include such things as fever, sore throat, vomiting, weakness, stomach pain, and a dry, hacking cough. Death usually occurs during the second week of Ebola symptoms, most often as a result of massive blood loss.

Ebola Symptoms: An Overview

When a person becomes infected with Ebola virus, the virus begins to multiply within the body. After four to six days on average, Ebola symptoms can begin. The period between infection with the virus and the start of Ebola symptoms is called the incubation period. The Ebola incubation period can be as short as 2 days or as long as 21 days.
 

Common Ebola Symptoms

The start of Ebola symptoms is usually abrupt. Common Ebola symptoms can include:
 
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Weakness
  • Severe headache
  • Joint and muscle aches
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Dehydration
  • Dry, hacking cough
  • Stomach pain.
     
A rash, red eyes, hiccups, and internal and external bleeding may be seen in some patients. When the rash develops on dark skin, it is often not recognized until the rash begins to peel.
 
In pregnant women, abortion (miscarriage) and heavy vaginal bleeding are common Ebola symptoms.
 
Death usually occurs during the second week of Ebola symptoms. Death in Ebola victims is usually from massive blood loss.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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