Ebola Virus Disease: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, Management, and Prevention

Nicastri E., Kobinger G., Vairo F. et al. Elsevier - ScienceDirect (2019) C2
This review article provides a comprehensive overview of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), covering its epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It explains that Ebola is a severe zoonotic infection caused by the Ebola virus, most likely originating from fruit bats and transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or body fluids. The article summarizes the history of Ebola outbreaks in Africa, including the major West African epidemic of 2013–2016 and subsequent outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It describes the disease’s clinical course, ranging from nonspecific flu-like symptoms to severe dehydration, multiorgan failure, shock, and death. The authors discuss diagnostic methods, supportive and intensive care management, emerging antiviral therapies and monoclonal antibodies, as well as the development and use of Ebola vaccines. The review also highlights the importance of infection control, contact tracing, community engagement, safe burial practices, and healthcare worker protection in controlling outbreaks. Finally, it addresses long-term complications in survivors and the persistence of Ebola virus in certain body compartments, particularly semen, which may contribute to delayed transmission.