Ebola Virus Disease

 

Ebola Virus Disease: Understanding the Threat and the Path to Prevention

By Naeem Mustafa, Pharmacist & Author – PharmaServePK

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) remains one of the most feared viral infections in the world due to its high fatality rate, rapid spread, and devastating impact on affected communities. Although outbreaks are mostly confined to parts of Africa, the interconnected nature of today’s world means that awareness, preparedness, and accurate information are essential for everyone. This article explores what Ebola virus is, how it spreads, its symptoms, treatment options, and the global efforts to control it.

Ebola Virus Disease

What Is Ebola Virus Disease?

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe, often fatal illness caused by infection with viruses of the Ebolavirus genus. The disease was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, multiple outbreaks have been documented, some of which have caused significant loss of life—particularly the 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak, considered the largest in history.

Ebola is a Zoonotic virus, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. Fruit bats are believed to be the natural hosts, while humans become infected through direct contact with infected animals or humans.

How Does Ebola Spread?

Ebola spreads through Direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as:

Blood

Saliva

Sweat

Vomit

Feces

Breast milk

Semen

It does not spread through the air like influenza. However, it can spread rapidly in communities with limited healthcare infrastructure, poor sanitation, or insufficient awareness. Contaminated surfaces and needles can also transmit the virus.

Healthcare workers are especially at risk if proper protective equipment (PPE) is not used.

Early Signs and Symptoms

Ebola symptoms can appear *2 to 21 days* after exposure. The early phase resembles common illnesses, which makes early detection challenging.

Early symptoms include:

 Fever

Fatigue

Muscle and joint pain

Sore throat

Headache

Advanced symptoms may include:

Vomiting and diarrhea

Rash

Impaired kidney and liver function

Internal and external bleeding

Severe dehydration

Because of its severity and rapid progression, Ebola requires urgent medical care once symptoms appear.

Ebola Virus Disease

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Ebola is diagnosed through specialized laboratory tests such as:

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Antigen detection

Antibody tests

These tests are typically performed in well-equipped labs due to the hazardous nature of the virus.

Treatment

There is no single cure for Ebola, but several medical strategies significantly increase survival chances:

Supportive care, including rehydration, oxygen therapy, and maintaining blood pressure

Antiviral medications such as Inmazeb and Ebanga, which have shown effectiveness in reducing mortality

Plasma therapies, where antibodies from survivors are used to help patients fight the virus

Early intervention remains the key to saving lives.

Prevention: The Best Defense Against Ebola

Preventing Ebola relies heavily on public health measures and personal awareness. Key prevention strategies include:

1. Safe Handling of Animals

Avoiding contact with bats and non-human primates reduces the risk of initial transmission.

2. Good Hygiene Practices

Frequent handwashing, especially when living in or traveling to outbreak-prone regions.

3. Use of Protective Equipment

Healthcare workers must use appropriate PPE as their risk is significantly higher.

4. Safe Burial Practices

Handling of bodies of infected individuals must follow strict safety protocols because the virus remains highly infectious after death.

5. Vaccination

The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine has been used successfully in outbreak regions, providing strong protection for frontline workers and at-risk populations.

Ebola and Global Health Preparedness

Ebola outbreaks highlight the importance of global health surveillance, rapid response systems, and strong healthcare infrastructure. Countries must remain vigilant, invest in healthcare training, and strengthen laboratory capabilities to detect and control infectious diseases.

Public education is equally important—understanding how diseases spread empowers communities to protect themselves and break the chain of infection.

Ebola Virus Disease is a reminder of how serious infectious outbreaks can be and how essential it is to stay informed. Although Ebola is not a global pandemic threat at present, the lessons learned from past outbreaks guide us toward a safer and more prepared future.

Through awareness, early detection, responsible healthcare practices, and continued research, we can prevent widespread outbreaks and safeguard communities worldwide.

Written by: *Naeem Mustafa*

Pharmacist & Author – PharmaServePK