Ebola history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Michael Maddaleni, B.S.

Overview

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is potentially lethal and encompasses a range of symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, generalized pain or malaise, and sometimes internal and external bleeding.

History and Symptoms

Symptoms are varied and often appear suddenly. Initial symptoms include:

• High fever (at least 38.8°C; 101.8°F)
• Severe headache
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Abdominal pain
• Severe weakness
• Exhaustion
• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Ebola may progress to cause more serious symptoms, such as:

• Diarrhea
• Dark or bloody feces
• Vomiting blood
• Red eyes due to distension
• Hemorrhage of sclerotic arterioles
• Petechia
• Maculopapular rash
• Purpura

The interior bleeding is caused by a chemical reaction between the virus and the platelets which creates a chemical that will cut cell sized holes into the capillary walls. After 5-7 days the person will die of "a million cuts." Occasionally, internal and external hemorrhage from orifices, such as the nose and mouth may also occur, as well as from incompletely healed injuries such as needle-puncture sites. Ebola virus can affect the levels of white blood cells and platelets, disrupting clotting. Fewer than 50 percent of patients will not develop any hemorrhaging.