Ebola-like virus refers to a family of highly contagious viruses that belong to the Filoviridae family, closely related to the Ebola virus. These viruses are characterized by their ability to cause severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates. Like Ebola, they are named after the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the viral disease was first identified in 1976.
Ebola-like viruses are enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses with a distinct filamentous shape. They are known to have multiple strains, each varying in terms of geographical distribution and pathogenicity. These viruses are primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals, such as fruit bats, primates, or rodents. Human-to-human transmission can occur through contact with blood or other bodily fluids of infected individuals, as well as surfaces or materials contaminated with these fluids.
Infection with an Ebola-like virus often leads to a range of symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, it can cause more severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. Mortality rates can vary depending on the strain, but outbreaks have historically recorded high fatality rates, ranging from 25% to 90%.
Due to the potential for rapid transmission and high mortality rates, Ebola-like viruses are considered a significant public health concern. Outbreaks require immediate and coordinated medical intervention, such as isolation of infected individuals, strict infection control measures, supportive care, and vaccinations if available.
