The Sudan Ebola virus, also known as Sudan virus (SUDV), is a member of the Filoviridae family and one of the species within the Ebolavirus genus. It was first identified in 1976 during an outbreak in Sudan alongside its close relative, the Zaire Ebola virus (EBOV). The Sudan Ebola virus shares a similar structure and 'filamentous' appearance with other ebolaviruses.
This virus is responsible for causing severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever known as Ebola virus disease (EVD) in humans and non-human primates. It is transmitted to humans from wild animals, primarily fruit bats, through direct contact with their blood, secretions, organs, or possibly through their consumption. Once a human is infected, the virus can further spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
Upon infection, individuals experience a wide range of symptoms including fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, which can progress to vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired liver and kidney function, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. The Sudan Ebola virus has a high fatality rate, ranging from 25 to 90 percent, depending on the outbreak.
Efforts to prevent and control the Sudan Ebola virus primarily involve public health measures such as early identification, isolation of infected individuals, contact tracing, safe burial practices, and raising awareness about the disease and its modes of transmission. Additionally, ongoing research aims to develop antiviral therapies and vaccines to help combat this deadly virus.
