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Causes and Symptoms of Ebola


The virus belongs to the viral family Filoviridae. The origin of the virus is likely from African fruit bats. Since the virus is transmitted from animals to humans, the virus is also called as zootic virus. The virus can also be transmitted from one human to another.
The following animals can transmit the Ebola virus:
  • Chimpanzees
  • Forest antelopes
  • Gorillas
  • Monkeys
  • Porcupines
Since people may come in contact with these animals, the virus can get transmitted from the blood or any body fluid of these animals. Point to be considered is that the virus gets transmitted only by coming in direct contact with the body fluids of someone who has the virus and not by air or touch alone.
Bodily fluids that may carry the virus may be through:
  • blood
  • diarrhea
  • breast milk
  • feces
  • saliva
  • semen
  • sweat
  • urine
  • vomit
Virus transmission can take place through eyes, nose, broken skin, mouth or sexual contact. Workers working in healthcare centers often deal with bodily fluids and blood and hence are at a high risk for getting the infection
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms of Ebola typically appear within 8-10 days after being exposed. However, it may take 2 to 21 days for the symptoms to show up. Initially, Ebola can feel like a flu. First and the most noticeable symptom of Ebola is extreme fatigue. Other symptoms include:
  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Joint and muscle aches
  • Sore throat
  • Weakness
  • Stomach Pain
  • Lack of appetite
  • Unexplained bleeding or bruising
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

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