The Ebola outbreak in Congo’s Ituri province has caused 88 deaths and over 300 suspected cases, with at least six Americans exposed to the highly contagious disease.
One of these US patients is experiencing symptoms, according to media reports.
Global alarm has been building since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern on Saturday.
The CDC reports no outbreak-related cases in the US and that the “overall risk to the American public and travelers remains low.”
The agency and DHS notably implemented travel health notices for Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday to prevent the disease from entering the US.
Here’s everything Americans need to know about the ongoing international Ebola crisis as it unfolds.
What causes Ebola?
Ebola is a rare but severe and often fatal disease caused by a group of viruses called orthoebolaviruses.
Four types of viruses can lead to the disease:
- Bundibugyo virus
- Ebola virus
- Sudan virus
- Taï Forest virus
Public health officials have linked the current outbreak to the Bundibugyo virus, which has death rates ranging from 25% to 50%.
In previous outbreaks in the Congo, including the 2018 to 2020 outbreak, the Ebola Zaire strain was prominent, killing more than 1,000 people in the eastern region.
How is the Ebola virus transmitted?
African fruit bats are thought to be the source of the Ebola virus and can spread the virus to other animals through contact with body fluids or items contaminated by fluids.
Although rare, if a spillover event occurs — when an infected animal spreads the virus to a person — humans can transmit the disease to other people.
This transmission happens when broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth come into contact with blood, bodily fluids or objects contaminated with infected fluids.
People can also get the disease if they come into contact with an infected animal, primarily bats, primates or forest antelopes.
Semen from men who recovered from Ebola can also transmit the disease; however, there’s no evidence that the virus spreads from contact with vaginal fluids of women who had the disease.
There’s also no evidence that mosquitoes or insects can spread the virus or that Ebola is airborne.
While the virus starts spreading when someone shows symptoms, it can still be transmitted even after the symptoms go away.
Some survivors of Ebola develop antibodies that last up to 10 years and may provide protection, though scientists are still determining if they can become infected with a different virus strain.
What are the symptoms?
Ebola symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 21 days after exposure to the virus, with people showing signs an average of eight to 10 days after exposure.
The first signs are known as “dry” symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Muscle and joint aches and pains
- Severe headache
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
After about five days of illness, those infected may progress to “wet” symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and unexplained bleeding.
Other reported symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, skin rash and seizures.
Oftentimes, those who develop severe symptoms early on tend to die, while survivors may have a fever for several days before showing signs of improvement.
Those who survive can suffer from long-term complications like headaches, tiredness, muscle and joint pain, vision problems, weight gain or loss of appetite.
How can Ebola be prevented?
To prevent infection, avoid contact with bodily fluids from those who are sick. Steer clear of blood, urine, feces, saliva, sweat, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, semen and vaginal fluid.
Any items that touched an infected person’s body or fluids, like clothes, needles or bedding, should also be avoided.
Refrain from contact with animals like bats, forest antelopes or primates (and their fluids).
If you must come into contact with someone who is sick or has died from Ebola, wear personal protective equipment.
Is there a vaccine?
There is a safe, FDA-approved vaccine for Ebola called ERVEBO; however, it’s only effective against one of the viruses that causes the disease (the Ebola virus, species Orthoebolavirus zairense).
The Bundibugyo virus has no approved vaccine or treatment.
The vaccine is administered as a single dose and is available for those 12 months and older. Vaccination is recommended for US adults at potential risk of exposure.
How is Ebola disease treated?
While difficult to distinguish from other infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever and meningitis, a blood test is used to detect Ebola.
There are two antibody treatments approved by the FDA: Inmazeb and Ebanga, which fight off the infection while the body builds back its immune defenses.
These are combined with necessary supportive care such as fluid and electrolyte replacement through an IV, supplemental oxygen and blood pressure medications.
