Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease case in Abuja has put symptom recognition in focus because early signs can resemble malaria or typhoid fever, making the cause hard to identify from symptoms alone.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) list 10 possible signs. They include fever, headache, weakness, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and appetite loss, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
WHO describes an onset range of two to 21 days after infection; symptoms commonly start around eight to 10 days after exposure. Other possible effects include breathing or swallowing problems, hiccups, confusion and signs of kidney or liver impairment. Diarrhea may also lead to substantial fluid loss, and patients do not necessarily experience the same symptoms.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said it had identified 44 close contacts for tracing and monitoring by Oct. 20.
