Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Ebola.

The time between exposure to the virus and the development of symptoms of the disease is usually 2 to 21 days. Estimates based on mathematical models predict that around 5% of cases may take greater than 21 days to develop.

Symptoms usually begin with a sudden influenza-like stage characterized by feeling tired, fever, pain in the muscles and joints, headache, and sore throat. The fever is usually greater than 38.3 °C (100.9 °F). This is often followed by: vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Shortness of breath and chest pain may occur next along with swelling, headaches and confusion. In about half of cases the skin may develop a maculopapular rash (a flat red area covered with small bumps).

In some cases, internal and external bleeding may occur. This typically begins five to seven days after first symptoms. All people show some decreased blood clotting. Bleeding from mucous membranes or from sites of needle punctures is reported in 40–50% of cases. This may result in the vomiting of blood, coughing up of blood, or blood in stool. Bleeding into the skin may create petechiae, purpura, ecchymoses, or hematomas (especially around needle injection sites). There may also be bleeding into the whites of the eyes. Heavy bleeding is uncommon and if it occurs is usually within the gastrointestinal tract.

Recovery may begin between 7 and 14 days after the start of symptoms. Death, if it occurs, is typically 6 to 16 days from the start of symptoms and is often due to low blood pressure from fluid loss. In general, the development of bleeding often indicates a worse outcome and this blood loss can result in death. People are often in a coma near the end of life. Those who survive often have ongoing muscle and joint pain, liver inflammation, and decreased hearing among other difficulties.

sources : wikipedia