Post-Ebolavirus disease syndrome: what do we know?

Abstract

As the current Zaire ebolavirus disease outbreak in West Africa fades, the health problems of the more than 16,500 survivors have come to light. A wide range of mental and physical symptoms may occur during the convalescence stage. Reported symptoms of "post-Ebolavirus disease syndrome" (PEVDS) include chronic joint and muscle pain, fatigue, anorexia, hearing loss, blurred vision, headache, sleep disturbances, low mood and short-term memory problems. PEVDS has been associated with a decrease in functionality and difficulties to return to work. Further studies are needed to fully categorize the clinical spectrum of PEVDS. Diagnostic criteria and surrogate markers for the early diagnosis of PEVDS, and implementation of specialized health services to treat and follow-up survivors are also needed.

Keywords: Ebolavirus disease; convalescence; fatigue; post-Ebola syndrome; uveitis.