All the Details: What is Ebola?

Ebola (or its full name "Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever") is a deadly contagious disease - up to 90% of those infected die within a short time. It causes external and internal bleeding in various parts of the body. Ebola was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in Zaire, which is how it got its name. In that outbreak, the disease claimed 340 lives. Since then, there have been several Ebola epidemics in Africa caused by different strains of the virus.

What causes Ebola?

Dr. Dana Florentin: "The cause of the disease is the Ebola virus. There are several strains of this virus, and recently we have witnessed an outbreak of a particularly deadly strain, called the Zaire strain, in several African countries."

What are the symptoms?

"The initial symptoms are fever, muscle pain, and sore throat. Shortly thereafter, more severe symptoms appear: vomiting, diarrhea, and internal and external bleeding. The Ebola virus practically affects all organs of the body - except for bones - and as it spreads and multiplies, it destroys tissues and causes bleeding from all body openings - eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and internal organs."

First symptoms: fever, muscle pain, and sore throat (illustration: shutterstock)

How am I compared to others?

"In February 2014, there was another outbreak of the Ebola epidemic - this time in West Africa. Since then and until August 5, 2014, more than 1,600 people have been infected in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, and nearly 900 of them have died from the disease. Since the disease was first discovered - in 1976 - it has caused the deaths of nearly 2,500 people.

"In early August, the disease also reached the United States. Two Americans - a doctor and a nurse - who treated Ebola patients in Liberia, contracted the disease and were urgently flown to the United States. There - according to media reports - they were treated with an innovative serum that is still in the experimental stages, and within about an hour, their condition improved. It was reported that a vaccine against Ebola is also in the advanced stages of development."

Is it contagious?

"Yes. The disease is transmitted from person to person. In recent Ebola outbreaks, mainly hospital workers and the families of patients became infected. Another way to contract the virus is by reusing needles, and possibly also from eating contaminated food. The incubation period of the disease is up to three weeks."

How long does it last?

"The disease is very dangerous, and the mortality rate can reach up to 90% in the case of the Zaire strain. Other strains, like the Sudan strain, are less deadly (up to 50% mortality). From the moment the disease breaks out, its course is very rapid: the Zaire strain, for example, usually kills patients within two weeks."

The disease is transmitted from person to person

Due to the high fatality rate of the disease, because it usually kills patients within a short period, and because it is transmitted from person to person, the disease does not spread quickly across large areas of the world. As of today, the disease is still limited to Africa, but there are serious concerns in the West that it will spread to other continents, and precautionary measures are being taken. For example, British Airways announced that it is suspending all flights to Liberia and Sierra Leone.

How is it diagnosed?

Dr. Dana Florentin: "The disease starts like many other common and harmless viral diseases, manifesting symptoms similar to flu or dysentery, which makes it very difficult to identify with the first symptoms. Only later do spontaneous bleeding occur - raising the suspicion of Ebola. The final diagnosis is made by identifying Ebola antibodies in body fluids."

How is it treated?

"So far, only supportive treatment could be given to patients: lowering fever, administering fluids, giving pain relievers, and so forth. However, as mentioned earlier, it seems that Americans have managed to develop an effective serum against the disease, the existence of which is currently kept secret. There are also reports that Americans have achieved significant progress in developing a vaccine against the disease."

How can one avoid the disease?

"To avoid infection, one should keep a distance from sick people. This is why African countries that detect an outbreak of Ebola are quick to impose a lockdown on the affected areas. For example, in early August 2014, Liberia announced the closure of all schools and imposed a full lockdown on areas and settlements where cases of Ebola were discovered. All government employees, except those in essential positions, were put on compulsory leave."

Ministry of Health Guidelines

In the country, the Ministry of Health published the following guidelines to the public regarding the Ebola disease: "In light of the sharp increase in reported morbidity recently, here are some practical recommendations for those traveling abroad:

It is recommended to avoid traveling to countries where the disease is spreading: Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. If one still travels to these countries, the following steps should be taken:

1. Avoid contact with patients, their secretions, and their belongings.

2. Maintain personal hygiene.

3. Avoid contact with animals and their secretions, carcasses, and even eating meat.

4. If possible, avoid visiting health institutions. It is recommended to avoid receiving services at local hospitals in these countries unless it is an urgent medical issue.

After returning to Israel: If a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit occurs within 21 days after returning to Israel from countries where the epidemic broke out (Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone), one should immediately go to a hospital emergency room and report the fever following a stay in a country afflicted with Ebola. In case of suspected Ebola, one should only go to the emergency room and immediately inform the hospital entrance about the circumstances to receive appropriate protection guidelines."

Additionally, the Ministry of Health issued instructions to hospitals on how to isolate those suspected of being infected with Ebola and how medical teams should protect themselves.

Might there be complications?

Dr. Florentin: "The main complication is external and internal bleeding and tissue necrosis that can lead to death."

What are the warning signs that require immediate consultation with a doctor?

"Anyone who recently returned from a visit to one of the African countries and is suffering from flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle weakness, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea is advised to seek a medical examination."