Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 078.89      ICD10: A98.4      ICD11: 1D60.0

Ebola, more formally known as Ebola virus disease (EVD) or Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), is a rare but severe and often fatal illness in humans and other primates.
Here's a breakdown of what it is:

Cause: It's caused by infection with one of several Ebola viruses.
Transmission: The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals (like fruit bats, primates, or forest antelopes) and then spreads in the human population through direct contact with:
Bodily fluids (blood, urine, saliva, feces, vomit, semen) of an infected person
Objects contaminated with the virus (needles, bedding, clothing)
Infected animals
Symptoms: Ebola symptoms are often sudden and can include:
Fever
Severe headache
Muscle pain
Weakness
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Unexplained hemorrhaging (bleeding or bruising)
Severity: EVD is a very serious disease with a high fatality rate, although survival rates have improved with better care.
Treatment: There are now approved vaccines and treatments for Ebola. Early supportive care with rehydration and symptom relief is crucial.
Prevention: Prevention measures include:
Avoiding contact with infected people and animals
Practicing good hygiene (frequent handwashing)
Safe burial practices
Vaccination (when available)

Ebola outbreaks are rare but can be devastating. Public health measures, including surveillance, contact tracing, and isolation of cases, are essential to control the spread of the virus.