Post-Ebola virus syndrome

Post-Ebola syndrome
Classification and external resources
Specialty
ICD-10	B94.8
Patient UK	Post-Ebola virus syndrome

Post-Ebola virus syndrome (or Post-Ebola syndrome) is a post-viral syndrome affecting those who have recovered from infection with Ebola. It manifests as joint pain, muscle pain, chest pain, fatigue, hearing loss, hair loss, cessation of menstruation, and poor long term health. Some survivors report neurological issues including memory problems and anxiety attacks. Vision loss is also frequently reported, along with eye pain, inflammation, and blurred vision. NEJM indicated that symptoms were lethargy, arthralgia, and alopecia, and also have experienced a vision loss of some degree, many of whom are close to being blind. There have been cases of uveitis. It became more widely reported with the large number of survivors of the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa.

Symptoms/signs

Some of the characteristics of post-ebola syndrome are:

• Ocular problems
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Headache

Ethiology

Although there is some progress that may potentially help Ebola survivors, an adequate funding, and further research is required to help provide more answers about Post-Ebola Syndrome. Studies from previous outbreaks reveal that the virus is able to survive for months after recovery in some parts of the body like eyes and testes, where the immune system cannot reach. Long-term sequelae continue for 2 years or longer after virus disease.

Viral persistence

According to a review by Brainard, et al, Ebola virus was identified in almost 3 out of 4 seminal fluid samples ( 18 survivors) almost 4 months after initial infection, with the last positive samples being more than 6 months (203 days) after infection had occurred. Another aspect of survivors of the Ebola virus, is that it could become sexually transmitted, as the virus is present in semen nine months after the individuals are declared free of Ebola.

Diagnosis

In terms of diagnosis the individual may show sensitivity to light or eye redness when ocular problems are suspected. Neurologically the individual's coordination ,gait and frontal release signs should be observed.

Management

In terms of management,it depends on the specific case by case diagnosis, if the individual indicates muscular-skeletal pain then paracetamol may be administered. If the individual presents with ocular problems, then prednisone and cyclopentolate may be used, according to WHO.

See also

• Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa