Understanding Ebola: Origins, Symptoms, Prevention, and the Latest Updates

Introduction

The Ebola virus, a highly virulent pathogen, has been a significant threat to global health since its discovery in 1976. It is named after the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the location of the first recognized outbreak. This virus causes Ebola virus disease (EVD), a severe and often fatal illness in humans and non - human primates.

Origin Speculation

1. Natural Host Theories

• Bats as the Likely Reservoir: Bats, especially fruit bats, are widely considered the natural hosts of the Ebola virus. Bats have a unique respiratory and immune system that allows them to carry a variety of deadly pathogens without getting sick. In Africa, where many Ebola outbreaks occur, fruit bats are abundant, and their habitats often overlap with human settlements. Humans may get infected by coming into contact with bat feces, urine, or saliva, or by consuming bats.

• Non - human Primates as Intermediate Hosts: Chimpanzees, gorillas, and monkeys have also been suspected of being involved in the spread of the Ebola virus. In some outbreak areas, non - human primates have been found dead from a virus similar to Ebola. Humans may contract the virus by coming into contact with sick or dead primates, but they are more likely to be intermediate hosts rather than the original source.

• Other Potential Animal Hosts: There have been speculations about other animals such as forest antelopes, porcupines, and domestic pigs. For example, pigs may be exposed to the virus if bats visit pig farms, but there is currently no conclusive evidence that these animals are natural hosts.

2. Ancient Virus Evolution Theory

   Research by the University at Buffalo in the United States has shown that the ancestor of the Ebola virus was a filovirus that existed during the Miocene epoch, around 23 million years ago. By analyzing viral “fossil genes,” it was found that the Ebola virus and the Marburg virus share a common ancestor dating back 16 - 23 million years. Over time, this virus has likely undergone mutations and evolution to become the current Ebola virus.

3. Special Environment Origin Theory

   Some believe that the Ebola virus may have originated from the unique ecosystems in Africa, such as tropical rainforests and swamps. These areas are rich in biodiversity and are home to numerous unknown microorganisms and viruses. Environmental changes and human activities that disrupt these natural habitats may have increased the chances of the virus coming into contact with humans, leading to outbreaks.

Symptoms

1. Initial Stage

   The onset of Ebola virus disease is acute. Symptoms typically include high fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and conjunctival congestion. Patients may also experience fatigue and a general feeling of discomfort.

2. Progressive Stage

   After 3 - 4 days, patients enter the progressive stage. The fever persists, and they may experience severe fatigue, headache, and upper abdominal or diffuse abdominal pain. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common, and severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, characterized by poor skin turgor. Some patients may develop bleeding manifestations such as gum bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding at injection or venipuncture sites, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, and hematuria. A small number of patients may have conjunctival congestion and rashes.

3. Critical Stage

   In severe cases, the condition progresses rapidly. Patients may develop shock, respiratory failure, renal failure, altered mental status, multi - site bleeding, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Most deaths occur in the second week of the illness.

4. Recovery Stage

   During the recovery stage, the patient's body temperature returns to normal, and gastrointestinal and other symptoms gradually subside. However, some patients may still experience weakness, fatigue, frequent urination, muscle and joint pain, headache, memory loss, hearing impairment, insomnia, depression, and anxiety, which can persist for a long time. Some patients may also develop long - term complications such as uveitis and meningitis.

Prevention

1. Vaccination

   Vaccines have been developed to prevent the Zaire ebolavirus in adults. In addition to vaccination in epidemic areas, other preventive measures can be taken.

2. Avoiding Exposure

• Minimize travel to areas where Ebola virus disease is prevalent. Avoid contact with the blood, body fluids, or raw meat of bats and non - human primates. Also, avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of patients, including urine, feces, saliva, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, semen, and vaginal fluid.

• Stay away from items that may have come into contact with the blood or body fluids of infected individuals, such as clothing, bedding, needles, and medical equipment.

3. Strengthening Personal Protection

   When coming into contact with potentially infected items or people, wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and goggles. Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol - based hand sanitizers.

4. Enhancing Environmental Hygiene

   Keep the environment clean and disinfect public areas regularly to reduce the spread of the virus.

Treatment

1. Supportive Care

Patients should be strictly isolated and rest in bed to ensure sufficient calorie intake. Pay attention to maintaining water and electrolyte balance and effective blood volume to prevent and treat hypotensive shock.

2. Medication

Currently, there is no specific antiviral drug for Ebola virus. Treatment mainly focuses on symptomatic and supportive care. For example, antipyretic drugs like acetaminophen can be used for patients with high fever. For patients with coagulation disorders and bleeding, blood products such as concentrated red blood cells, platelets, and fresh frozen plasma can be transfused. Dialysis may be required for patients with acute kidney injury, and mechanical ventilation may be necessary for those with respiratory failure.

Latest News

1. Uganda in 2025

   On January 30, 2025, the Ugandan Ministry of Health announced that a case of Ebola Sudan virus infection and death was detected at Mulago Referral Hospital in Kampala, the capital. By February 3, 6 confirmed cases were reported, and by February 5, 2 more cases were confirmed. On February 10, the number of confirmed cases increased to 9, with 1 death. 7 patients are being treated at a hospital in Kampala, and 1 is being treated in Mbale. In addition, 265 contacts of the confirmed cases have been identified and quarantined. The Ugandan Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, and other partners launched the world's first vaccine trial against the Sudan ebolavirus on February 3.

2. Uganda in 2022 - 2023

   On September 20, 2022, the Ugandan Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of Ebola (Sudan virus) in Mubende District. This outbreak ended on January 11, 2023, with 142 confirmed cases (22 probable cases) and 55 confirmed deaths.

3. Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2022

   On April 23, 2022, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced an Ebola outbreak in Mbandaka City, Equateur Province. This was the country's 14th Ebola outbreak, which ended on July 4, with 5 confirmed cases, all of which were fatal. On August 22, 2022, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced an Ebola outbreak in North Kivu Province, which ended on September 27, with only 1 confirmed case and death.

Conclusion

The Ebola virus remains a significant global health concern. Understanding its origin, symptoms, prevention, and treatment, as well as staying updated on the latest news, is crucial for global health security. Continuous research and international cooperation are essential to effectively combat this deadly virus.