The Ebola virus has recently emerged as a global threat. People’s concern has increased significantly after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola virus a health emergency. However, did you know that there is already a vaccine for this virus? Nevertheless, a warning has been issued regarding the Ebola virus. More than 100 people have died due to this virus. Why does it remain such a big threat despite the vaccine being available?
**What is Ebola virus?**
Ebola virus is an extremely dangerous and deadly pathogen. It was formerly known as “Ebola hemorrhagic fever”. This virus damages body organs and weakens blood vessels, causing severe bleeding inside and outside the body. Ebola virus is caused by a group of viruses called *orthobolavirus* (formerly *ebolavirus*); These viruses can cause serious illness, which can prove fatal if left untreated. *Orthobolavirus* was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976 and is mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa.
**One of the most dangerous viruses in the world**
Ebola virus is considered one of the most dangerous viruses in the world. Its mortality rate is even higher than that of COVID-19. It is noteworthy that the mortality rate in Ebola is between 80 to 90 percent; That is, 80 to 90 percent of patients who get infected eventually lose their lives due to this disease. It is a serious viral disease that is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, bodily fluids, or infected animals. In some cases, Ebola causes bleeding inside the body, which subsequently leads to death.
**Why is there still a danger despite the availability of a vaccine?**
According to epidemiologist Dr. Jugal Kishore, like other viruses, Ebola virus also exists in many strains (types). An FDA-approved vaccine for this virus – known as Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) – is currently available. However, there is no guarantee that this particular vaccine will be effective against every strain of the virus. Bundibugyo is another dangerous strain of this virus. The cases currently being reported are of this particular strain. There is currently no certified vaccine available to combat this strain. It is considered the most dangerous strain of Ebola, because it spreads rapidly and the risk of death is very high. Additionally, another reason for deaths caused by the Ebola virus in Africa is the lack of health facilities in remote areas; Providing timely vaccine and medical treatment to these areas is a big challenge.
What are the symptoms of Ebola virus?
After becoming infected with the Ebola virus, it may take 2 to 21 days for symptoms to appear. The initial symptoms are similar to common flu, but gradually their severity increases. Initial symptoms of the virus include sudden high fever, extreme weakness, muscle and joint pain, headache and sore throat. If these symptoms do not go away, more serious symptoms may appear. These include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes and problems in kidney and liver functioning. In severe cases, the body’s internal organs and external orifices — such as the eyes, ears, nose and gums — may begin to bleed.