Although it can only be transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, it is highly contagious. The time after infection and before symptoms appear is 2 to 21 days. Humans with Ebola are known to not be contagious until symptoms have started. Fun fact: People who have died from the virus remain contagious.

• Fever

• Headache and muscle/joint pain

• Weakness and fatigue

• sore throat

• loss of appetite

• abdominal pain

• diarrhea

• vomiting

• unexplained hemorrhaging, bleeding or bruising

• red eyes, skin rash, hiccups

• It inhibits the phosphorylation (attachment of phosphate group to molecule or ion) of double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase that mediates cellular antiviral responses

VP24 - Inhibition of Interferon-Stimulated Genes (ISG) expression

• Binds transporter molecules to prevent signal transducer and activator of transcription translocation.

• The restriction of STAT nuclear translocalization prevents the establishment of an antiviral state in the host cells.

According to the National Library of Medicine, both VP35 and VP24 contributes of suppression of DC activation(dendritic cell: type of immune cell that is found in tissues and boosts immune responses) resulting in induction of impaired cell-mediated responses.

GP (Glycoprotein) - NF-κB activation (group of proteins that help control many functions in a cell, including cell growth and survival)

• Leads to activation of pro-inflammatory responses

• Has significant role in T cell activation and production of pro-inflammatory mediators.

• Tiredness

• Headaches

• Muscle and joint pain

• Eye and vision problems

• Weight gain

• Stomach pain or loss of appetite

Some severe concerns also include pericarditis, orchitis (swelling of testicles), changes in menstruation, and PTSD.

Some common side effects with Ervebo^® includes pain, swelling and redness at the injection site, headache, fever, myalgia, fatigue, chills, and abdominal pain.

Although a vaccine is available, there are certain ways to help prevent transmission of the virus:

• Avoid contact with items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids

• Avoid contact with bats, and nonhuman primates

The most important prevention is proper hand washing.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 17). What is Ebola virus disease? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/about.html

Deen, Gibrilla F et al. “Ebola RNA Persistence in Semen of Ebola Virus Disease Survivors — Final Report.” The New England journal of medicine 377.15 (2017): 1428–1437. Web.

Durant, O., & Marzi, A. (2024). Ebola virus disease sequelae and viral persistence in animal models: Implications for the future. PLOS Pathogens, 20(3), e1012065–e1012065. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1012065

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Ebola Information | NCDHHS. (n.d.). Www.ncdhhs.gov. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/ebola-information#:~:text=Ebola%20can%20cause%20disease%20in

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Yamaoka, S., & Ebihara, H. (2021). Pathogenicity and Virulence of Ebolaviruses with Species- and Variant-specificity. Virulence, 12(1), 885–901. https://doi.org/10.1080/21505594.2021.1898169

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