Ebola disease is an umbrella term for a group of diseases. It was first discovered in 1976 along the banks of River Ebola, from where it got its name. 

People witnessed 2 outbreaks in the same year, one was in South Sudan, while the other one was in a village near the Ebola River. 

In this article, we have highlighted certain important aspects related to Ebola virus disease.

Ebola Virus Disease is a very rare but fatal disease that occurs due to the infection of the Ebola virus. Of the 5 strains discovered, only four affect human beings, and the fifth one affects nonhuman primates and pigs.

The four species that cause Ebola Virus Disease in humans are:

• Zaire ebolavirus 
• Sudan ebolavirus 
• Tai ebolavirus 
• Bundibugyo ebola virus

The species that affects nonhuman primates and pigs is Bombali Ebolavirus.

The bats of the Pteropodidae family are thought to be the origin of the Ebola virus, which then introduced the virus into the human population and other animals. Also, the virus cannot be transmitted unless the infected person starts showing symptoms. However, the human-to-human transmission occurs through the following:

• The body fluids of the infected. 
• Objects that have come in contact with the infected body fluid.
• Broken skin or mucous membrane.

Improper burial techniques of the dead body that dies of the Ebola Virus may also lead to transmission of the virus. The healthcare workers have been seen to get contaminated as they stay near the patient.

Initially, the Ebola Virus Disease may show general symptoms such as fever, fatigue,  and headache, which are gradually followed by vomiting, rashes, unusual bleeding, and diarrhoea after the incubation period of 2 to 21 days. 

Even after recovering from Ebola Virus Disease, a person may get the following symptoms for the next one or two years:

• Memory loss
• Trouble sleeping 
• Hearing loss
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Unusual weight gain
• Eye pain, along with other ocular problems

Even though the Ebola virus severely affects mankind, its origin has not been found to date. Researchers and scientists have assumed the source to be bats that transmit the disease to humans and other animals.

Diagnosing the Ebola virus in the initial phase is very difficult as the clinical manifestations are similar to typhoid fever, malaria, and meningitis. Also, the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of pregnancy. 

Confirmatory tests for Ebola Virus Disease are: 

• Serum Neutralization Test
• Electron Microscopy 
• ELISA
• Antigen-Capture Detection Tests
• RT-PCR Assay

People who have been affected by the Ebola virus should seek medical help as soon as possible, as it improves the chances of recovery. It is unlikely to keep an Ebola Virus disease patient at home as he or she may spread it to others. 

Therefore, a patient should be rushed to the hospital as soon as possible, where the treatment regimen includes oral or intravenous fluids and some antiviral medications. The hospital care will also be much updated from the care at home. 

Every variant of Ebola can be managed with some supportive treatment that includes the following: 

• Blood Transfusion.
• Oral or I/V Fluid. 
• Relevant medication for other infections, if any.
• Medications for symptomatic problems such as nausea and vomiting.

Ebola Virus Disease transmission can be prevented to some extent by following the listed measures:

• Wash your hands properly before and after your meal.
• Sanitise your hands properly before touching any body part.
• Try avoiding the body fluids of people who are contaminated with Ebola. 
• Before contacting an Ebola patient, take proper precautions, such as gloving and masking.
• Don’t touch the body of patients who have expired from Ebola. 
• Get yourself vaccinated against the Zaire variant of Ebola.

The healthcare workers should specifically take the prevention as they are exposed to the patients more than everyone. Also, the lab workers should have trained and skilled staff to handle the samples of patients infected with Ebola.

The most common risk factors for Ebola Virus Disease are: 

• Coming in contact with the body fluid of the infected. 
• Occupational exposure. 
• Consumption of Ebola virus-infected meat.

The survival rate from the Ebola Disease is about 50%. People who have recovered may remain contagious, and they should follow proper hygiene techniques to prevent infection to others. This happens because the virus, even after recovery, may remain in the body fluid for some time, and hence, they should not indulge in sexual activity as well.