Ebola

Definitions

Description

An infection caused by Ebola virus strains.

Overview

Ebola disease is an infection caused by Ebola virus strains. An infected animal can spread an Ebola virus strain to a human. Then the viruses can spread between people. Ebola disease is usually fatal without treatment. A vaccine is available to protect against one strain of Ebola virus.

Symptoms

Ebola disease symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and sore throat. Ebola disease can cause loss of appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Ebola disease also can cause bleeding inside the body and bruises.

Treatments

Ebola disease is treated in the hospital with medicine that stops the disease from spreading in the body. Other care helps support the health of the body or to manage symptoms.