The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed more than 130 lives, with over 500 suspected cases reported. Concerns about the virus potentially spreading worldwide are continuing to grow. Here are the symptoms people should be aware of.
According to the BBC, officials said that by Tuesday, more than 513 Ebola cases were suspected in DR Congo. In addition, one person has also died from Ebola in neighboring Uganda.
One American tested positive for Ebola after being exposed while working with a medical missionary group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, no cases have so far been confirmed among Americans in the United States.
People living near the center of the Ebola outbreak, which has killed 131 people, say they are deeply frightened. Residents in Ituri province, where the outbreak began, said they are very afraid, adding that “Ebola has caused us great suffering.”
According to the BBC, a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO) also warned that the disease may be spreading faster than originally thought.
Dr. Anne Ancia from the WHO told the British news outlet that as health workers continue their investigations, they are discovering cases in new locations.
Ebola symptoms and how it spreads
A study by the MRC Center for Global Infectious Disease Analysis in London suggested there may be many more undetected cases. Researchers said the total number of cases could already be above 1,000.
A WHO statement said the Ebola outbreak is being caused by the Bundibugyo virus. Scientists believe African fruit bats may play a role in spreading the disease.
So, what symptoms should people watch for? According to the CDC’s Ebola symptom guide, symptoms usually appear between 2 and 21 days after exposure, with most people becoming ill around 8 to 10 days later.
Early symptoms, often referred to as “dry symptoms,” include fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, weakness, fatigue, and a sore throat. Because these symptoms closely resemble illnesses such as malaria or the flu, Ebola can initially be difficult to recognize.
As the disease progresses, patients may develop more severe “wet symptoms,” including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and unexplained bleeding. Other possible symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, red eyes, skin rashes, hiccups, and seizures.
The CDC also notes that survivors can experience long-term health effects, including fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, vision problems, depression, anxiety, and memory difficulties.
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