The Ebola virus has once again alarmed the world after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Nevertheless, specialists clarify that this does not constitute a pandemic, and the spread of the virus is currently confined to two African countries — the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Infectious disease specialist Maia Butsashvili notes that the strain causing the outbreak warrants particular attention, stating that “the ongoing outbreak is driven by an Ebola subtype for which no vaccine or licensed medication currently exists.”
According to her, the transmission initially began in the Congo and cases were later recorded in Uganda as well. To date, 134 deaths have been confirmed, while more than 500 patients are considered suspected cases of Ebola. One infected individual, a US citizen, has been evacuated to Berlin for medical treatment.
Specialists explain that Ebola is transmitted from human to human through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces. “The Ebola virus is not airborne,” Maia Butsashvili clarifies.
The incubation period of the virus ranges from 2 days to 3 weeks. The disease is characterized by high fever, severe weakness, muscle and headaches, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. In severe cases, hemorrhage, as well as kidney and liver failure, develop. According to various data, the case fatality rate of Ebola ranges from 25% to 90%.
The currently available vaccine is effective only against the Zaire Ebola subtype and has been successfully deployed during numerous past outbreaks; however, it remains ineffective against the current strain.
As a reminder, the largest Ebola epidemic occurred between 2014 and 2016, during which approximately 28,000 people were infected globally, resulting in 11,000 deaths.
