Ebola Virus
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- Published in Virus and Disease
Ebola virus infection will typically develop a fever, a headache, joint and muscle pain, a sore throat, and intense muscle weakness.
These symptoms start suddenly, between two and 21 days after becoming infected. Diarrhoea, vomiting, a rash, stomach pain and impaired kidney and liver function follow. The patient then bleeds internally, and may also bleed from the ears, eyes, nose or mouth. Ebola virus disease is fatal in 50-90% of cases. The sooner a person is given care, the better the chances that they will survive.
If you feel unwell with the above symptoms, within 21 days of returning from Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone, you should stay at home and immediately telephone the emergency services and explain that you have recently visited West Africa.
Travellers in ebola risk areas should follow these simple precautions to minimise their risk of Ebola virus disease infection:
- Wash hands frequently using soap and water;
- Make sure fruit and veg is properly washed and peeled before you eat it;
- Avoid physical contact with anyone who has symptoms;
- Avoid dense and crowded places where people may be infected;
- Don't handle dead animals or their raw meat;
- Don't eat "bushmeat".
