Transcript Excerpt •
#PartOne: What is Ebola?
Ebola is a viral disease that causes fever and can become severe if not managed early.
A common myth is that Ebola causes bleeding from all body openings. This is not always true. Bleeding may occur only in severe cases when the body’s ability to clot blood is affected.
Like many infections, Ebola can disrupt normal body functions when it becomes severe. Under normal conditions, the body stops bleeding through clotting. In extreme illness, this system may fail.
Ebola typically presents in two phases:
• Early (dry phase): This stage may include fever, headache, body aches, and general weakness. At this point, the infection is still developing and the risk of transmission is lower.
• Later (wet phase): This stage may involve vomiting, diarrhoea, and coughing. These body fluids can carry high levels of the virus.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids such as blood, vomit, saliva, stool, or other secretions. It is not airborne like COVID-19.