Ebola-like viruses refer to a group of highly contagious and deadly viral infections that belong to the family Filoviridae, which includes the Ebola virus itself. These viruses are characterized by their filamentous, thread-like shape and are known to cause severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fevers in humans and other primates.
Ebola-like viruses are typically zoonotic, meaning they originate in animals before jumping to humans. Fruit bats are considered to be the natural reservoir hosts for these viruses, while other animals such as primates and small mammals can also carry and transmit them. Human infections occur primarily through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals or through human-to-human transmission via contact with contaminated surfaces, blood, or secretions.
The symptoms of Ebola-like viruses are usually severe, beginning with abrupt fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and headache, followed by more advanced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, internal and external bleeding. These viruses have a high case fatality rate, often ranging from 25% to 90%, depending on the strain and the effectiveness of medical care available.
Outbreaks of Ebola-like viruses pose significant public health threats due to their potential for rapid transmission and the absence of specific antiviral treatment or licensed vaccines. Proper infection control measures, including isolation of infected individuals and safe burial practices, along with supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications, are crucial in containing and managing outbreaks.
