An Overview Of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

The Persistence Of EVD

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported it is possible for EVD to be spread through the semen of men who have survived the disease. The truth is Ebola virus is a persistent disease that can remain somewhat dormant in immune-privileged sites in some of those who have recovered from it. The areas where it may remain dormant include the inside of the eye, the testicles, and within the central nervous system. It has also been reported the disease can persist in the placenta and fetus of those who were pregnant while infected.

A Diagnosis Of EVD

Diagnosing EVD can be very difficult within the first few days of infection, as the early symptoms are not specific to the disease. Often, patients with early symptoms can be misdiagnosed for more common diseases, such as malaria and meningitis. A patient showing early symptoms of EVD may need to be isolated and notified to public health authorities if they have come into contact with body fluids from someone with or has passed away from EVD, objects that may have been contaminated, infected animals, or have been sexually active with someone who has recovered from EVD. EVD can be diagnosed and detected by getting blood samples, but only after the symptoms have begun, which can take anywhere from two to twenty-one days.