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Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever

Pronounced: ee-BOWL-uh him-er-AH-gic FEE-ver

by Krisha McCoy, MS

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe viral disease. It is often fatal. It can occur in humans and animals.

Causes

It is caused by the Ebola virus. Humans can get the virus through contact with infected animals (including bats), humans, or needles.

Virus Attack on Cell

Risk Factors

The following factors increase your chances of developing Ebola hemorrhagic fever:

Travel to an area where an outbreak has occurred (almost all cases of fatal Ebola hemorrhagic fever have occurred in Africa; no cases have ever been reported in the US)
Exposure to healthcare settings in which a person with Ebola hemorrhagic fever has been treated
Contact with another person who has Ebola hemorrhagic fever

Symptoms

If you experience any of these do not assume it is due to Ebola. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. Symptoms of Ebola may include:

Fever
Headache
Joint and muscle aches
Sore throat
Weakness
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Rash
Red eyes
Hiccups
Internal and external bleeding

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. If you may have been exposed to the virus and have symptoms and to the virus, your doctor will notify health officials. This will include the local health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

You will be isolated to prevent the spread of the disease.

Tests may include the following:

Blood tests to identify the virus
Blood tests to identify antibodies for the virus

Treatment

There is no cure. Your treatment will include therapy for symptoms you are experiencing. This may include:

IV fluids and electrolytes
Oxygen and blood pressure support
Treatment for any complicating infections

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of getting Ebola hemorrhagic fever, take the following steps:

Avoid traveling to an area that is experiencing an outbreak.
If you are a healthcare worker, wear protective clothing. This includes masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles. Avoid reusing needles.
Avoid contact with anyone who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov/

World Health Organization

http://www.who.int/

Health Canada

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/

Public Health Agency of Canada

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/

Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/ebola.htm. Accessed January 22, 2011.

Questions and answers about Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/ebola/qa.htm. Updated July 17, 2009. Accessed January 22, 2011.

Last reviewed December 2011 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.