Ebola virus, also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects humans and other primates. It belongs to the family Filoviridae and is named after the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), where it was first identified in 1976.
Ebola virus is characterized by severe and often sudden onset of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle pain, and weakness, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, internal and external bleeding. The virus has a high fatality rate, typically ranging from 25% to 90%, depending on the strain.
Transmission of Ebola virus occurs through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals, such as fruit bats, which are believed to be natural hosts. The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated surfaces and materials, making it important to practice good personal hygiene and sanitation measures.
Outbreaks of Ebola virus disease have occurred mainly in Central and West African countries, with sporadic cases reported outside the region. Efforts to control the spread of Ebola virus involve isolating and treating infected individuals, contact tracing, safe burial practices, and public health education.
In recent years, significant progress has been made in developing vaccines and treatments for Ebola virus disease, improving the chances of survival and reducing the overall impact of the virus on public health.
