infections
Ebola Virus and Marburg Virus Infections
Symptoms of Ebola and Marburg Virus Infections
People develop the first symptoms about 2 to 20 days after exposure to the virus. At first, the symptoms usually resemble those of other, less dangerous viral infections. People have muscle aches, headache, sore throat, and cough. People also become sensitive to light, and the whites of the eyes may turn red. Within a few days, more serious symptoms, such as the following, develop: Abdominal pain Yellow skin ( Jaundice in Adults ) Severe vomiting and diarrhea A tendency to bleed Confusion, delirium, and coma The vomiting and diarrhea cause Dehydration , which, if untreated leads to low blood pressure ( Bleeding begins within the first few days. Bleeding under the skin can be seen as purplish spots or patches (bruises), and the gums, nose, rectum, or internal organs may bleed, as may puncture wounds (as result from drawing blood or starting an intravenous line). After about 5 days, a rash, mainly on the trunk, appears. During the second week of symptoms, the fever breaks and either people begin to recover or their organs malfunction (called organ failure). From 25 to 90% of infected people die depending in large part on the level of medical care available. Compared with Marburg virus infection, Ebola is more likely to be fatal, averaging a 59% death rate. Recovery takes a long time. 