Difference Between Coronavirus and Ebola


Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Ebola are two highly infectious diseases that have caused widespread panic and concern globally. While both are viral illnesses, they are caused by different types of viruses and have different symptoms, modes of transmission, and treatments. In this essay, we will explore the differences between COVID-19 and Ebola in terms of their causes, symptoms, modes of transmission, and treatments.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a pandemic in which a virus is causing respiratory sickness and killing more people than the typical seasonal flu.

Genetics and origin of the coronavirus − The covid-19 coronavirus seems to have emerged originally in China, where it spread from an animal to a person. The specific host animal from which the virus originated is still up for contention. It has been discovered to be comparable to the SARS coronavirus, a single-stranded RNA virus with glycoproteins on its outer surface.

Symptoms and complications − A high temperature and a dry cough are the most noticeable and noticeable signs of covid-19 infection. However, the infection can cause serious lung damage in some patients, which can make breathing extremely difficult. This results in a lack of oxygen in the blood, which can lead to cardiac issues or failure of numerous organs. Age and health factors affect death rates, yet even young, seemingly healthy people might pass away.

Diagnosis − A human sample can be tested using RT-PCR. Some nations now offer drive-through testing locations where anyone may pull up and have a sample taken for testing. The test is effective because it confirms a diagnosis by checking for the virus's unique genetic coding.

Transmission − It is believed that the coronavirus known as covid-19 is a zoonosis that was accidentally spread from an animal host to people. Human to human transmission then happened.

Risk factors and mortality − Mixing with infected people increases your risk, although you won't notice any signs for a time. While treating patients with covid-19, medical personnel are likewise at danger. Because of this, several nations have adopted policies of social isolation in an effort to lessen interpersonal contact. The largest fatalities occur amongst those older than 70 years and who have other ailments. Diabetes and heart disease appear to enhance the risk of covid-19 problems and mortality.

Treatment − Pain relievers are used to manage the symptoms, and the patient may also require fluids to help with the dehydration brought on by the fever, as well as supplementary oxygen for any breathing issues. In really severe circumstances the person may need to be on a ventilator to support breathing.

What is Ebola?

The Ebola virus, a filovirus, causes a severe bleeding sickness. Two days to twenty weeks may pass during incubation.

Symptoms and complications − Muscle aches, fever, headache, abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and internal and external bleeding are among symptoms of Ebola. Patients may acquire jaundice, go into a delirious condition or coma, and eventually have complete organ failure. If the patient is not treated quickly, they have a very low chance of survival.

Diagnosis − The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created an ELISA and an RT-PCR test that can identify and offer a definite diagnosis of Ebola based on the presence of viral antigens and genetic material, respectively.

Transmission − It is widely accepted that the Ebola virus spread from animals to people, making it a zoonotic disease. The virus spreads rapidly through infected bodily fluids.

Risk factors − It appears that those who consume bush meat or bats are at a greater risk of becoming sick. Those who work with or come into close contact with Ebola patients are also at a considerably higher risk of contracting the disease.

Treatment and prevention − Although there is now no treatment for Ebola, researchers are developing and testing vaccines, and certain antiviral drugs are also under development. Replacement of lost fluids and administration of platelets as necessary constitute the bulk of the therapy, which is essentially supportive in nature. If there is no therapy available, the mortality rate might be as high as 70 percent

Differences: Coronavirus and Ebola

The following table highlights the major differences between Coronavirus and Ebola −

Characteristics

Coronavirus

Ebola

Definition

Coronavirus is a viral disease caused by a betacoronavirus named 2019-nCoV virus.

Ebola is a viral disease caused by a type of filovirus.

Country where discovered

The coronavirus was first discovered in China.

Ebola was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Incubation period

The coronavirus takes about from two days to up to about two weeks before symptoms appear.

Ebola virus incubation is also quite variable and is from two days to as much as 20 days.

Diagnosis

Coronavirus is definitively diagnosed by means of a molecular test known as rRT-PCR.

Ebola is definitively diagnosed by an ELISA test and an RT-PCR test that the CDC developed.

Symptoms

The symptoms seen with coronavirus include the presence of a cough, shortness of breath, pneumonia, and fever.

The symptoms of Ebola are fever, headache, abdomen pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, bleeding, and sometimes the person goes into a coma.

Transmission

The transmission of coronavirus is by way of secretions from the respiratory tract which are sneezed or coughed out of the body.

The transmission of Ebola is by contact with any type of body fluid from an infected person.

Treatment

Some people with coronavirus need to be hospitalized and given oxygen, and a few antivirals have shown some promise in treating the illness.

Ebola treatment relies on fluid therapy, giving people platelets and pain killers; vaccines and antivirals are being tested.

Mortality

Coronavirus has a current estimated 2% mortality rate.

Ebola has a mortality rate that can be at or above 70% when untreated.

Conclusion

While COVID-19 and Ebola are both serious diseases, they are caused by different viruses, have different symptoms, modes of transmission, and treatments. Understanding these differences is important for controlling the spread of both diseases and developing effective treatments.

Updated on: 14-Apr-2023

81 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements