EVD stands for Ebola virus disease. It is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, a member of the Filoviridae family. EVD is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. These initial symptoms are followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and, in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. EVD is highly infectious and can spread through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected people or animals. It can also be transmitted indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces or materials.
The Ebola virus was first identified in 1976 in outbreaks in Nzara, Sudan, and Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, several Ebola outbreaks have occurred primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, with the most devastating outbreak taking place between 2014 and 2016, mainly in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The World Health Organization declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern during that time.
There are no specific treatments for EVD, though supportive care can help improve survival rates. Prevention is primarily based on strict infection control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment and safe burial practices. Vaccines have been developed and used during outbreaks to help control the spread of the disease.
