Negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus in the Filoviridae family
The ebolavirus genus includes five species:
Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), the most common
Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV)
Reston ebolavirus (RESTV)
Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV)
Taï Forest (or Cote d'Ivoire) ebolavirus (TAFV)
Epidemiology
Essentially located exclusively in west Africa
Outbreaks occur where there is food insecurity (with resultant hunting for bush meat), increased population density, and insufficient public health infrastructure
Clinical Manifestations
Incubation period 2 to 21 days (generally 3 to 13 days)
Initially starts as a non-specific influenza-like illness with fever, fatigue, myalgias, weakness, and dizziness
Followed by multiorgan involvement and hemorrhagic manifestations (30-50%)
EBOV can persist after resolution of symptoms in privileged sites: the eyes, CNS, male reproductive tract, and mammary glands
Relapse can occur as uveitis or meningitis
Death usually within 6 to 16 days of symptom onset
Prognosis and Complications
40 to 70% mortality, depending mostly on supportive care
Hiccups associated with increased mortality
Diagnosis
Ensure to notify the lab before sending samples, and contact Public Health for instructions
