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What long-term health problems can Ebola survivors experience?
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Ebola
Numerous filamentous ebolavirus particles (blue) budding from a chronically-infected VERO E6 cell (yellow-green) in this digitally colorized scanning electron micrograph produced by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
Survivors of Ebola infection may experience a range of long-term health complications collectively known as post-Ebola syndrome. These persistent issues can significantly impact a survivor's quality of life and include:12
- Ocular and Auditory Problems: Many survivors suffer from uveitis (eye redness and pain), vision loss, tinnitus, and hearing loss.132
- Neurological and Musculoskeletal Issues: Common symptoms include chronic headaches, severe muscle and joint pain, and other abnormalities in neurological function.132
- Systemic Effects: Survivors may experience extreme fatigue, renal failure, and an increased risk of stroke or premature death.132
Post-Ebola syndrome is primarily managed through symptom relief, utilizing analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. Beyond physical health, survivors often face significant social and economic challenges, including being shunned by their communities.12