Ebola history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
History and Symptoms
Symptoms are varied and often appear suddenly. Initial symptoms include:
- High fever (at least 38.8°C; 101.8°F)
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Abdominal pain
- Severe weakness
- Exhaustion
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Ebola may progress to cause more serious symptoms, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Dark or bloody feces
- Vomiting blood
- Red eyes due to distension
- Hemorrhage of Sclerotic arterioles
- Petechia
- Maculopapular rash
- Purpura
The interior bleeding is caused by a chemical reaction between the virus and the platelets which creates a chemical that will cut cell sized holes into the capillary walls. After 5-7 days the person will die of "a million cuts." Occasionally, internal and external hemorrhage from orifices, such as the nose and mouth may also occur, as well as from incompletely healed injuries such as needle-puncture sites. Ebola virus can affect the levels of white blood cells and platelets, disrupting clotting. Fewer than 50 percent of patients will not develop any hemorrhaging.