Ebola outbreak in Congo kills 80: Know causes, symptoms, and risk factors of this deadly disease

The Democratic Republic of Congo is once again facing a deadly outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), raising concern among global health authorities. According to reports, the outbreak has already claimed more than 80 lives in the eastern Ituri province, while hundreds of suspected cases are under observation.

Health officials confirmed that the current outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which is different from the more common Zaire strain that caused several earlier outbreaks in Africa.

The outbreak has also increased fears of the disease spreading to nearby countries like Uganda and South Sudan because people regularly travel across borders.

What is Ebola virus disease?

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but severe and often fatal viral illness that affects humans and other primates. The disease is transmitted through direct contact with the body fluids of infected people or animals such as bats, monkeys, and chimpanzees. It causes hemorrhagic fever, with symptoms like high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe bleeding

The virus attacks the body’s immune system and blood vessels. In severe cases, it can cause internal bleeding, organ failure, and death. Ebola is considered one of the world’s deadliest diseases because it spreads quickly through direct contact with infected body fluids.

The disease was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in Congo.

What causes Ebola outbreaks?

Ebola outbreaks usually start when people come into contact with infected wild animals. Fruit bats are believed to carry the virus naturally.

Humans can get infected while handling or eating infected animals such as bats or monkeys. After that, the virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with body fluids like blood, saliva, sweat, urine, vomit, or semen.

The virus can also spread through contaminated clothes, bedsheets, needles, or medical equipment.

Experts say several reasons may have helped the current outbreak spread faster, including:

• Poor healthcare systems
• Overcrowded living conditions
• Armed conflict in affected areas
• Delayed medical treatment
• Movement of people across borders

Symptoms Of Ebola

Symptoms of Ebola usually appear between two and 21 days after infection. Early symptoms are similar to flu or malaria, which makes it difficult to identify the disease at first.

• Early Symptoms Include:
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness and tiredness
• Sore throat
• Severe Symptoms Include:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Skin rash
• Bleeding from the nose, gums, or eyes
• Internal bleeding and organ failure

In serious cases, Ebola can quickly become life-threatening. Many patients die due to dehydration, shock, or multiple organ failure if treatment is delayed.

Who is most at risk?

Healthcare workers are among the people most at risk because they treat infected patients closely. Without proper safety equipment, doctors and nurses can easily catch the virus.

Family members caring for sick relatives are also at high risk, especially if they come into contact with infected body fluids.

Traditional funeral practices, where people touch the bodies of the dead, have also helped spread Ebola during previous outbreaks.

How to prevent Ebola

Health experts say prevention and quick treatment are very important to stop Ebola from spreading.

People should:

• Avoid direct contact with infected people
• Wash hands regularly
• Stay away from body fluids of sick patients
• Avoid contact with infected animals
• Seek medical help immediately if symptoms appear

Healthcare workers must use protective suits, gloves, masks, and proper sanitation while treating patients. Isolation centres and contact tracing are also important to control outbreaks.

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