The Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) is a viral disease caused by the Ebolavirus. It is named after the Ebola River Valley, the site of the first recognized Ebola hemorrhagic fever outbreak in 1976.
Symptoms of the disease include the rapid onset of fever, muscle pains, malaise, headache, and the inflammation of the pharynx. Incubation of the virus is estimated at a 2-21 day range though it is observed to be generally 5-18 days. As the infection progresses, vomiting and bloody diarrhea occur and six days after these, patients may develop maculopapular rash with bleeding at needle sites and several orifices.
No standard has been set for the treating Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Treatments are usually supportive and involve electrolytes balancing, the replacement of lost coagulation factors, minimizing invasive procedures, maintaining oxygen and blood levels, and the treatment of complicating infections. The disease is potentially lethal and the mortality rate is high with records showing rates of 50% to 89%.