Ebola virus disease (EVD) is not always fatal, but it is a very serious illness with a high risk of death. The fatality rate of Ebola varies widely depending on the outbreak, the virus strain, and the quality of medical care available. Historically, Ebola outbreaks have shown case fatality rates ranging from about 25% to as high as 90%. On average, about half of the people infected with Ebola die from the disease, but this is not a fixed rule.
The Ebola virus causes a severe illness that begins suddenly with symptoms like fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. These early symptoms are followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, internal and external bleeding. The severity of the disease can lead to shock, multi-organ failure, and death if not treated properly.
One of the key factors influencing survival is how quickly a patient receives supportive care. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the chances of survival. Supportive care includes maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, oxygen status, blood pressure, and treating any complicating infections. In recent years, the development and deployment of specific treatments such as monoclonal antibody therapies have further improved survival rates. These treatments target the virus directly and have been shown to reduce mortality when administered early in the course of the disease.
The type of Ebola virus also matters. For example, the Zaire ebolavirus strain is known to be the deadliest, often causing higher fatality rates than other strains. Outbreaks caused by this strain have historically had fatality rates around 50% or more, but again, this can vary.
Ebola outbreaks have occurred primarily in Central and West Africa, with the largest and most deadly epidemic occurring between 2014 and 2016 in West Africa. During that outbreak, thousands of people died, but many also survived due to improved medical responses and community health measures. The fatality rate during that epidemic was estimated to be around 40%, showing that survival is possible even in large outbreaks.
Survivors of Ebola can face long-term health issues, including joint pain, vision problems, and neurological symptoms, but they are no longer infectious after recovery. However, the virus can persist in certain body fluids like semen for months after recovery, which poses a risk of transmission.
In summary, Ebola is a severe and often deadly disease, but it is not always fatal. Survival depends on multiple factors including the strain of the virus, the timing and quality of medical care, and the availability of effective treatments. Advances in medical care and public health responses have improved survival rates over time, making it possible for many infected individuals to recover.
