Ebola Virus Symptoms

For people infected with the Ebola virus, symptoms may include fever, vomiting, dry cough, and stomach pain. Symptoms of infection with the Ebola virus typically begin four to six days after infection. Other Ebola virus symptoms may include a rash, hiccups, red eyes, and internal and external bleeding.

Ebola Virus Symptoms: An Introduction

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

Common Symptoms With the Ebola Virus

Ebola virus symptoms usually begin abruptly. Common symptoms can include:
 
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Dry, hacking cough
  • Weakness
  • Severe headache
  • Joint and muscle aches
  • Diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting.
     
A rash, hiccups, red eyes, and internal and external bleeding may be seen in some patients. On dark skin, the rash is often not recognized until it begins to peel.
 
In pregnant women, common Ebola virus symptoms can include heavy vaginal bleeding and abortion (miscarriage).
 
Death usually occurs during the second week of symptoms. Ebola victims typically die from massive blood loss.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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