Skip to main content

Ebola virus Disease Progression

Ebola is a disease caused by the Ebola virus. Ebola virus belongs to the family Filoviridae. Filoviridae is the only virus family about which scientists know very less. Knowledge about the pathogenesis, the diseases caused by this virus family and the detailed virology is still very less. The recent epidemics have provided a considerable amount of understanding about the filoviruses. The first encounter of biomedical science with virus family Filoviridae took place in 1967 when Marburg virus appeared. Similar course of events were presaged by this virus for Ebola virus.

On an average, the incubation period for Ebola Virus disease in humans lasts for 5-9 days though the overall incubation period of Ebola Virus disease in humans ranges from 2 to 21 days. There are three distinct phases in the course of the disease: Generalization phase, early organ phase, late organ phase or convalescence phase depending upon the result of the infection.
  • Generalization phase: This phase begins with symptoms that are largely similar to influenza. High fever, chills, myalgia, malaise, fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, stomachache, nausea, severe diarrhea have all been reported. This phase lasts for about five days after the beginning of the disease. In the middle or later part of the generalization phase, a rash might also be noticed on the face, trunk or other parts which later gets developed as maculopapular rash.
  • Early organ phase: After 5 to 13 days of the onset of the disease, the disease gets progressed into this phase. It is associated with conditions like prostration, dyspnea, exanthema, abnormal vascular permeability, conjunctival injection and edema. This phase marks the beginning of severe phase of the disease. In the later stage of this phase, clear hemorrhagic manifestations can be seen in the patients. Multiple organs like liver, pancreas, and kidneys get affected.
  • Late organ phase: This phase begins after 13 days until more than 20 days after the commencement of the disease. In this phase, the condition of the patient moves to a critical state with multiple organ failure, convulsions, shock etc. Patients may develop neurological symptoms including dementia, restlessness or coma.
  • Convalescence phase: Those who survive the disease may not even enter the late organ phase. During recovery and convalescent phase, complications such as myalgia, arthralgia, asthenia, hepatitis, ocular disease and psychosis may occur.


Popular posts from this blog

Ebola Outbreak : Facts about Ebola Virus

Ebola , the deadly disease that has taken over the central and west Africa, this year, is nothing new to the continent. The disease has been affecting the people of the continent since 1976 when it was recognized in Zaire (now called Democratic Republic of Congo).This year's outbreak is the largest Ebola Outbreak in the history and it is important that we make ourselves aware. So here are some facts that one needs to arm themselves with to handle any situation about Ebola : Origin: Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a disease caused by one of the five different Ebola Viruses. Four out of these viruses are known to cause fatal diseases in humans and other mammals, while the fifth one is not fatal for humans, animals are not that lucky, though. The natural reservoir of the virus is believed to be bats, particularly fruit bats, but is seen frequently in apes, monkeys and pigs as well. Spread : Ebola spreads through the transmission of bodily fluids from animals to humans and from humans...
Read more

Treatment and recovery from ebola

Ebola virus causes Ebola virus disease (EVD), also known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever or Ebola. The disease caused by the virus is often fatal. The virus gets spread by direct contact with bodily fluids or blood of an infected person or infected animal. The symptoms of the disease are not very clear and the disease initially feels like flu. The symptoms include stomach pain, muscle aches, vomit, diarrhea, unexplained bleeding or bruising and fatigue. As of now, there is no known medication or vaccine which is effective. The scientists are still in the early stages of understanding how the infection caused by Ebola virus can be treated. There are a number of experimental treatments that are being considered for use in cases of Ebola outbreaks. The experimental treatments are under clinical trials. As there is no cure for Ebola and research is still going on for finding one, the experimental treatment carried out by the doctors include a serum that is said to destroy the infected cell...
Read more

Ebola Outbreak : Ebola transmission - How?

Ebola is a deeply discussed and heavily debated topic in the health sector. However, the common man remains bereft of the very basic facts of this Ebola . Even something as simple as how the disease is transmitted is unknown to a lay man. Here is a lay down on the facts relating to transmission of Ebola in as simple language as possible. Breakdown of Ebola in Simpler Terms Although, it isn’t easy for everyone to understand medical terms, no matter how good your vocabulary is, one cannot refrain from using some of them when berating the facts of a serious health disorder as Ebola . If one possesses knowledge relating to certain topic then, he or she is duty-bound to share those with his or her fellow beings on the grounds of humanity. Shouldering the same responsibility, this article will try its best to acquaint and familiarise you with everything related to Ebola transmission . The article aims at stopping the outbreak of Ebola at grass root level by meting out important information...
Read more