Ebola can cause symptoms anywhere from 2 to 21 days after a person has been infected with the virus.
The disease often begins with general symptoms that can later develop into more severe signs of illness, according to the CDC.
Early symptoms of Ebola
The first symptoms of Ebola typically appear between eight and ten days after infection.
In the beginning, patients often experience general symptoms that can resemble other illnesses.
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Fever is one of the first signs
Many patients develop a fever as one of the earliest symptoms of Ebola. The fever often appears together with other signs of illness.
Muscle and joint pain
People with Ebola may experience pain in both muscles and joints. The pain can be severe and affect the entire body.
Severe headache
A severe headache is listed as one of the early symptoms of the disease. The headache may appear early in the course of the illness.
Fatigue and weakness
Many patients experience both exhaustion and weakness throughout the body. This can make it difficult to carry out daily activities.
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Sore throat
A sore throat is also among the first symptoms experienced by people with Ebola.
Ebola can be mistaken for other diseases
Doctors may confuse Ebola with more common infectious diseases such as malaria, influenza, typhoid fever, meningococcal disease, and pneumonia.
Later symptoms become more serious
After four to five days, the disease can develop into more severe symptoms, often described as “wet” symptoms, including bleeding and nausea.
Loss of appetite
Patients with Ebola may lose their appetite as the disease progresses.
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Unexplained bleeding
Some patients experience bleeding without a clear explanation as part of the course of the disease.
Nausea and stomach pain
Ebola can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and abdominal pain.
Diarrhea and vomiting
Patients may develop severe diarrhea and vomiting as the illness worsens.
Other symptoms may also occur
Some patients experience chest pain, shortness of breath, red eyes, confusion, skin rashes, hiccups, or seizures.
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Severe cases show symptoms early
Patients who die from Ebola often develop severe symptoms early in the course of the illness.
Patients who survive the disease typically begin to improve around six days after symptoms first appear.
Survivors may experience long-term effects
People who survive Ebola may experience long-lasting complications such as headaches, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.
Vision problems may affect survivors
Some survivors develop vision problems, including blurred vision, pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.
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Mental health problems
Survivors may experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder after recovering from the illness.
Seek medical help immediately
People who believe they may have been exposed to Ebola and are experiencing symptoms should immediately contact a doctor or health authorities.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).