Ebola (disambiguation) facts for kids
Ebola is the common name for a serious illness called Ebola virus disease. This disease is caused by a tiny germ known as the Ebola virus. It can make people very sick and is sometimes deadly.
The name "Ebola" comes from the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is where the virus was first found in 1976.
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What is Ebola Virus Disease?
Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe illness in humans. It is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever. This means it can cause damage to blood vessels and lead to bleeding inside and outside the body.
How Does Ebola Spread?
Ebola spreads through direct contact with body fluids from a person who is sick with Ebola. These fluids include blood, vomit, poop, pee, sweat, and spit. It can also spread through contact with objects that have these fluids on them, like needles.
The virus does not spread through the air, water, or food. People are only contagious when they show symptoms of the disease.
What are the Symptoms of Ebola?
Symptoms of Ebola usually appear 2 to 21 days after someone gets infected. Early symptoms can be like the flu, making it hard to tell apart from other illnesses.
Common Symptoms
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Tiredness
Later Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Bleeding or bruising
- Sometimes, a rash
If someone has these symptoms and has been in an area where Ebola is present, they need medical help right away.
How is Ebola Treated?
There is no specific cure for Ebola, but doctors can provide supportive care. This helps the patient's body fight the virus.
Supportive Care Includes
- Giving fluids through an IV to prevent dehydration.
- Balancing electrolytes (important salts in the body).
- Keeping blood pressure stable.
- Treating other infections that might occur.
- Providing oxygen if needed.
New treatments and vaccines are being developed and used to help prevent and treat the disease.
Where Does Ebola Come From?
Scientists believe that fruit bats are the natural hosts of the Ebola virus. This means bats can carry the virus without getting sick themselves.
Humans can get infected through contact with infected animals, such as bats or monkeys. This can happen if people hunt or prepare these animals for food. Once a person is infected, the virus can then spread from person to person.
Preventing Ebola Outbreaks
Preventing Ebola outbreaks is very important. This involves several steps:
- Awareness: Knowing how the virus spreads helps people protect themselves.
- Hygiene: Washing hands often with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
- Safe Practices: Avoiding contact with body fluids of sick people or animals.
- Quick Response: Identifying and isolating sick people quickly to stop the spread.
- Vaccination: Using vaccines in areas at risk to protect people.
Health organizations around the world work together to control outbreaks and develop better ways to fight Ebola.
Other Meanings of Ebola
While "Ebola" most commonly refers to the disease, it can also mean:
- Ebolavirus: This is the scientific name for a group of viruses that includes the Ebola virus.
- Ebola River: The river in Africa where the virus was first identified.
See also
In Spanish: Ébola (desambiguación) para niños
