Symptoms
Ebola symptoms: what are the signs?
Ebola often begins like flu, with sudden high fever, headache and muscle pain. Only after a few days come vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases bleeding. The incubation period is 2 to 21 days (average 8 to 10 days). During this period a person is not contagious — only from the first symptoms onwards can the virus be transmitted.
Early symptoms (day 1–3)
High fever
Sudden onset above 38.6 °C (101.5 °F) — usually the first signal.
Headache & muscle pain
Severe headache, joint and muscle pain, extreme fatigue.
Sore throat & weakness
Painful throat and general weakness — looks like severe flu.
Later symptoms (day 4–10)
Vomiting & diarrhea
Severe and persistent, often bloody — leads to dehydration.
Bleeding
Under the skin (bruising), gums, nose, eye whites. In 40–50% of patients.
Organ failure
After 7–10 days liver and kidney failure, shock and multi-organ failure possible.
When to seek medical help immediately?
Call your doctor or public health authority immediately if you have a fever andin the past 21 days you have been in an area with an active Ebola outbreak or had contact with a possibly infected person. Do not go to a hospital or clinic on your own to prevent spread.
Day-by-day progression (summary)
| Day | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| 1–3 | Fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue |
| 4–7 | Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, dehydration |
| 7–10 | Bleeding, liver dysfunction, severe dehydration |
| 10+ | Shock, multi-organ failure, or beginning of recovery |