The Zaire Ebola virus is a highly dangerous and highly infectious virus that belongs to the family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus. It is named after the country where it was first identified, now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The virus causes a severe and often fatal illness known as Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) or simply Ebola.
The Zaire Ebola virus is characterized by its filamentous shape, with a length of about 800 nm and a diameter of approximately 80 nm. It is an enveloped virus containing a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome. The virus primarily infects humans and non-human primates, specifically gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys.
Transmission of the Zaire Ebola virus occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids (blood, saliva, urine, feces, semen) of infected individuals or animals. It can also spread through contact with contaminated objects or infected animals such as bats and primates. The virus enters the body through broken skin or mucous membranes and then replicates in various organs, leading to systemic infection.
Symptoms of Ebola typically begin with sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding. The disease progresses rapidly and can be fatal, with mortality rates ranging from 25% to 90%.
Since its discovery in 1976, several outbreaks of Ebola caused by the Zaire Ebola virus have occurred in Central African countries, with varying degrees of severity. The virus poses a significant public health threat, requiring strict infection control precautions and prompt medical attention to minimize its spread and impact.
