Ebola virus infection

Alternative names

Ebola hemorrhagic fever; Viral hemorrhagic fever

Definition

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe illness likely transmitted to humans from infected animals and animal materials. It causes shock and severe bleeding abnormalities.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Ebola fever) is a viral disease that is limited to parts of Africa. It has been newsworthy worldwide because of its destructive potential.

The exact mode of transmission is not understood. The incubation period appears to be up to 1 week, at which time the patient develops fatigue, malaise, headache, backache, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Within a week, a raised (papular) rash appears over the entire body. The rash is often hemorrhagic (contains blood). Hemorrhaging generally occurs from the gastrointestinal tract, causing the patient to bleed from both the mouth and rectum. Mortality is high, reaching 90%. Patients usually die from shock rather than blood loss.

Symptoms

Early:

• malaise
  
• fatigue
  
• headache
  
• sore throat
  
• backache (low)
  
• nausea
  
• vomiting
  
• diarrhea
  
• arthritis
  

Late:

• conjunctivitis (eye inflammation)
  
• generalized rash, hemorrhagic
  
• roof of mouth looks red
  
• genital swelling (labia and scrotum)
  
• depression
  
• increased sense of pain in skin
  
• gastrointestinal bleeding (from mouth and rectum)
  
• bleeding from eyes, ears, and nose
  
• seizures, coma, delirium
  

Signs and tests

There may be signs and symptoms of:

• disseminated intravascular coagulation
  
• shock
  
• coma
  

Tests used in the diagnosis of Ebola fever include:

• coagulation studies (tests of how well the blood will clot)