Symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus, characterized by rapid progression and high fatality. Initial symptoms may resemble influenza, but as the disease progresses, severe manifestations such as multi-organ failure can occur. Recognizing symptom features and seeking medical attention promptly are crucial, as early treatment can improve survival rates.

The symptoms of this disease tend to worsen quickly, with patients potentially developing the first symptoms within 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. Early signs such as fever and muscle pain are often overlooked, but subsequent symptoms may include internal bleeding, skin bruising, and other characteristic signs. Healthcare professionals need to monitor symptom changes closely to assess disease severity.

Early Symptoms and Signs

Early symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease typically appear 5 to 7 days after infection and are similar to common febrile illnesses, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Typical early symptoms include:

• High fever (often exceeding 38°C)
• Headache and musculoskeletal pain
• Fatigue and general malaise
• Sore throat and mild diarrhea

These symptoms may persist for several days and gradually worsen; without timely treatment, they can rapidly develop into severe stages.

Incubation Period and Early Differentiation

The average incubation period is 8 to 10 days, during which patients are asymptomatic and non-infectious. Once symptoms appear, body temperature rises suddenly, often accompanied by muscle and joint pain, which can be mistaken for influenza or malaria. The key features of this stage are the combination of fever and systemic discomfort, which should be evaluated alongside epidemiological history (such as contact with infected areas) for diagnosis.

Common Symptoms

Moderate to severe symptoms gradually manifest, including:

• Persistent high fever (sometimes exceeding 40°C)
• Severe diarrhea and vomiting, possibly with blood
• Skin rashes, usually appearing on days 5 to 7 of illness
• Abdominal pain, chest pain, and difficulty breathing

These symptoms vary among individuals depending on immune response but generally indicate systemic inflammation and multi-organ failure.

Gastrointestinal Abnormalities

Gastrointestinal symptoms are prominent features of Ebola Virus Disease, with diarrhea and vomiting occurring dozens of times daily, leading to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Vomitus and excreta may contain blood, indicating viral invasion of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Close monitoring of fluid balance and prevention of secondary infections are essential during this stage.

Disease Progression and Symptom Changes

The development of the disease can be divided into three stages:

• Early stage (1-3 days): characterized by fever and muscle pain
• Mid-stage (4-7 days): appearance of skin rashes and gastrointestinal symptoms
• Severe stage (after 7 days): bleeding tendencies, organ failure, and other life-threatening symptoms

The severity of symptoms is related to viral load, patient age, and underlying health conditions. Severe cases may exhibit coagulation abnormalities and multi-organ failure.

Bleeding Tendencies and Terminal Symptoms

In the terminal stage, approximately 30-50% of patients may experience bleeding, including gum bleeding, subcutaneous bruising, or internal hemorrhage. Severe cases may bleed from mucous membranes or injection sites and may be accompanied by renal failure and liver dysfunction. The mortality rate at this stage is extremely high, requiring immediate intensive care and supportive treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If any of the following occur, seek medical attention immediately:

• Contact with Ebola patients or their bodily fluids
• Recent travel to or work in epidemic areas
• Fever exceeding 38.5°C with unexplained bleeding

>Even mild symptoms warrant prompt reporting to health authorities and isolation if there is an epidemiological contact history.

Emergency Warning Signs

The following symptoms are indicators for immediate medical care:

• Unexplained skin bruising or mucosal bleeding
• Persistent vomiting and severe diarrhea leading to dehydration
• Rapid breathing with hypotension

Medical institutions should confirm diagnosis through PCR testing and antibody assays. Once diagnosed, immediate isolation and treatment protocols should be initiated.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to distinguish early symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease from common cold or influenza?

The early symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease, such as fever, fatigue, and muscle pain, are similar to those of influenza or cold, but can rapidly worsen to internal bleeding, external bleeding, or multi-organ failure. If there has been recent contact with epidemic areas or suspected cases, and symptoms continue to intensify, seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare providers of travel history.

Are there any vaccines or treatments currently available for Ebola Virus Disease?

The developed vaccine