Symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease
The symptoms of Ebola virus disease usually appear between 2 and 21 days after exposure to the virus. Most people begin to experience signs around day 7 to 10. Ebola virus disease starts with general symptoms that resemble many other infections, making early diagnosis challenging without laboratory testing.
Initial symptoms include:
Sudden onset of fever
Intense weakness or fatigue
Muscle and joint pain
Headache
Sore throat
As the illness progresses, more severe symptoms develop. These may include:
Vomiting and diarrhoea (often leading to dehydration)
Stomach pain
Rash
Red eyes
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
In some patients, the virus causes internal and external bleeding, which may present as bruising, bleeding gums, or blood in vomit and stool. These haemorrhagic symptoms occur in later stages and are a sign of severe disease.
One of the defining features of Ebola virus disease is how quickly the condition can deteriorate. After the initial flu-like phase, patients may decline rapidly, developing shock, multi-organ failure, and death. Without prompt medical care, many patients do not survive beyond the second week of symptoms.
Not everyone with Ebola experiences bleeding, and the severity of symptoms can vary. Some individuals may recover, especially with early diagnosis and supportive care, while others may succumb despite treatment. Survivors often face long-term effects, including fatigue, joint pain, vision problems, and psychological trauma.
Symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease
Symptoms alone cannot confirm Ebola. Many tropical diseases—such as malaria, typhoid, and Lassa fever—present similarly in the early stages. This overlap makes clinical diagnosis difficult and highlights the need for rapid testing and isolation once Ebola is suspected.
In South Africa and other countries with no recent outbreaks, health professionals remain on alert for travellers presenting with these symptoms, particularly if they’ve come from or been near affected regions. Airport screenings and travel history assessments are key tools in early identification and response.
Recognising the symptoms of Ebola virus disease early is critical to containing an outbreak. Public health messaging, swift isolation, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can stop transmission and save lives.
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