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Ebola

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal disease in humans. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals, such as fruit bats, and then spreads from person to person through contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or with objects that have been contaminated with these fluids. Symptoms of EVD include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. There is no cure for EVD, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival. Prevention of EVD includes avoiding contact with wild animals, eating only well-cooked meat, and practicing good hygiene.

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Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal disease in humans. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals, such as fruit bats, and then spreads from person to person through contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or with objects that have been contaminated with these fluids. Symptoms of EVD include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. There is no cure for EVD, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival. Prevention of EVD includes avoiding contact with wild animals, eating only well-cooked meat, and practicing good hygiene.

What is Ebola virus disease?

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a serious, often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals, such as fruit bats and monkeys, and then spreads from person to person through contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or with objects

What are the symptoms of EVD?

The symptoms of EVD include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. The incubation period for EVD is 2 to 21 days. This means that it can take up to 21 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the virus.

How is EVD treated?

There is no cure for EVD, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival. Treatment for EVD includes supportive care, such as providing fluids and electrolytes, and treating symptoms such as fever and pain. There are also experimental treatments for EVD, such as antiviral drugs and immune-based therapies.

How can EVD be prevented?

Prevention of EVD includes avoiding contact with wild animals, eating only well-cooked meat, and practicing good hygiene. People who have been exposed to EVD should be monitored for symptoms and receive medical care if they develop any symptoms.

Who is at risk for EVD?

Anyone who comes into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or with objects that have been contaminated with these fluids is at risk for EVD. This includes healthcare workers, family members and friends of infected people, and people who live in or travel to areas where EVD is occurring.

What should I do if I think I have EVD?

If you think you may have EVD, it is important to seek medical care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival. Tell your doctor about your symptoms and any recent travel or contact with people who have been diagnosed with EVD.

What is the prognosis for EVD?

The prognosis for EVD depends on the severity of the illness and the quality of medical care. Without treatment, the fatality rate for EVD is about 50%. With early diagnosis and treatment, the fatality rate can be reduced to about 25%.

What are the long-term effects of EVD?

Some people who survive EVD may experience long-term effects of the illness, such as joint pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, and vision problems. These effects can last for months or even years after the initial illness.

How can I learn more about EVD?

There are many ways to learn more about EVD, including online courses, books, and articles. Online courses can be a great way to learn about EVD at your own pace and on your own schedule. Some online courses that can teach you about EVD include:

  • Ebola: Essential Knowledge for Health Professionals
  • Epidemics I
  • Outbreaks and Epidemics
  • Bats, Ducks, and Pandemics: An Introduction to One Health Policy
  • Reflections from 40 Years Fighting International Epidemics
  • Lessons from Ebola: Preventing the Next Pandemic

These courses can teach you about the history of EVD, the symptoms and treatment of EVD, and the prevention of EVD. You can also learn about the role of healthcare workers in the fight against EVD and the importance of global cooperation in the fight against EVD.

Conclusion

EVD is a serious, often fatal disease, but it can be prevented and treated. By learning more about EVD, you can help to protect yourself and your loved ones from this disease.

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Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ebola.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Ebola virus disease, including its history, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Provides practical guidance for healthcare workers on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat Ebola virus disease.
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Provides a comprehensive overview of Ebola virus disease, from its origins to its most recent outbreaks.
Discusses the public health implications of Ebola virus disease, including the challenges of prevention and control.
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