Long Ebola: Long-term effects of Ebolavirus infection
There are long-term consquences of getting Long Ebola
Long Ebola, also known as post-Ebola syndrome, refers to the long-term health complications and symptoms that can occur in survivors of Ebolavirus infection. These can include joint and muscle pain, vision and hearing loss, abdominal pain, bleeding, malaise, and psychological problems. Studies have shown that survivors of previous Ebolavirus outbreaks are at a significant risk for long-term health problems, and research is ongoing to determine the best ways to care for these individuals.
The Ebola virus, known for its high fatality rate, has affected thousands of individuals in western Africa. While survival is fortunate, the health problems for survivors are not over. A new study has shown that there are long-term sequelae of Ebolavirus infection more than 2 years after the initial infection.
- Introduction
- Acute vs. Chronic Symptoms
- Long-term Consequences of Ebolavirus
- Study in Uganda
- Other Viral Infections with Long-term Effects
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Ebola virus, also known as Ebolavirus, is a highly lethal virus that causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and other primates. The most recent outbreak in Africa has resulted in many deaths. However, the thousands of individuals who survived the disease are not out of the woods yet. A new study shows that survivors of Ebolavirus have long-term sequelae more than 2 years after infection.
Acute vs. Chronic Symptoms
Acute infections caused by viruses such as Ebolavirus are characterized by the rapid production of infectious virus particles, followed by resolution and elimination of the infection by the host's immune system. However, chronic symptoms may persist for a long time after the infection is cleared. There have been long-term health consequences identified in survivors of previous Ebolavirus outbreaks. These include joint and muscle pain, vision and hearing loss, abdominal pain, bleeding, malaise, and psychological problems. Some patients were unable to perform their previous jobs for up to one year.
Long-term Consequences of Ebolavirus
Ebolavirus infections are feared because of the high fatality rate observed during outbreaks, which can range from 25-90%. However, for those who do survive the disease, their health problems may not be over. A new study shows that survivors of Ebolavirus have long-term sequelae more than 2 years after infection.
Acute vs. Chronic Effects
Acute infections caused by viruses such as Ebolavirus are characterized by rapid production of infectious virus particles, followed by resolution and elimination of infection by the host. However, chronic symptoms may persist for a long time after the infection is cleared. There have been long-term health consequences identified in survivors of previous Ebolavirus outbreaks. These include joint and muscle pain, vision and hearing loss, abdominal pain, bleeding, malaise, and psychological problems. Some patients were unable to perform their previous jobs for up to one year.
Study in Uganda
The long-term health consequences of infection was studied in detail for the 2007 outbreak of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in Uganda. Survivors (49) were contacted 29 months after the outbreak and provided information about their health status and their ability to function, and blood samples were obtained for further study. Controls for the study were seronegative contacts.
The results show that survivors of Bundibugyo ebolavirus infection are at significantly greater risk than controls for long-term health problems. These include ocular problems (pain, blurred vision), loss of hearing, sleep difficulty, and joint pain. Other issues are abdominal and back pain, fatigue, impotence, severe headaches, memory problems, and confusion. No differences in the results of blood analyses were observed between the two groups.
Other Serious Viral Infections
The thousands of survivors of the Ebolavirus outbreak in western Africa are fortunate to have survived the disease, but their health problems are not behind them. A new study shows that survivors of Ebolavirus have long-term sequelae more than 2 years after infection.
Acute infections caused by viruses such as Ebolavirus are characterized by rapid production of infectious virus particles, followed by resolution and elimination of infection by the host. However, chronic symptoms may persist for a long time after the infection is cleared. There have been long-term health consequences identified in survivors of previous Ebolavirus outbreaks. These include joint and muscle pain, vision and hearing loss, abdominal pain, bleeding, malaise, and psychological problems. Some patients were unable to perform their previous jobs for up to one year.
The long-term health consequences of infection were studied in detail for the 2007 outbreak of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in Uganda. Survivors (49) were contacted 29 months after the outbreak and provided information about their health status and ability to function, and blood samples were obtained for further study. Controls for the study were seronegative contacts.
The results show that survivors of Bundibugyo ebolavirus infection are at a significantly greater risk than controls for long-term health problems. These include ocular problems (pain, blurred vision), loss of hearing, sleep difficulties, and joint pain. Other issues include abdominal and back pain, fatigue, impotence, severe headaches, memory problems, and confusion. No differences in results of blood analyses were observed between the two groups. This study only included adults; children who have recovered should also be examined as their healthcare needs may be different.
