Ebola virus disease is a serious and rare infection primarily found in certain regions of Africa. The ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has resulted in over 130 deaths, caused by a rarer strain known as Bundibugyo virus disease, for which there is currently no specific vaccine or treatment.
How does Ebola spread?
The virus is contracted from wild animals and spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids, including blood, saliva, semen, and vomit. Person-to-person transmission occurs when an individual comes into contact with the body fluids of an infected person, whether they are sick or deceased.
Symptoms and incubation period
Ebola symptoms, such as high fever, extreme fatigue, and headache, can appear between two and 21 days after infection. Early detection and supportive care are crucial for improving survival rates.
Mortality rate
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the average case fatality rate for Ebola is around 50%, with rates varying from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks. The current Bundibugyo strain has a lower mortality rate compared to other strains, but the lack of specific treatments remains a challenge.
