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Rachel V Thomas

Ebola Survivors May Face COVID-Like Memory Loss and Brain Issues For Over 7 Years: NIH Study

Ebola Survivors May Face COVID-Like Memory Loss and Brain Issues for Over 7 Years: NIH Study

People who survive <span>Ebola virus disease</span> (EVD) may continue to experience memory loss, irritability, and difficulty concentrating for more than seven years after recovering from the infection, according to a new study led by researchers at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The findings come as Ebola outbreaks continue in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where confirmed cases have surpassed 650 and more than 130 deaths have been reported.

The NIH partnered with Liberia's Ministry of Health to study the long-term effects of the disease during the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, which caused more than 28,000 infections and over 11,000 deaths across Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.

Researchers evaluated 148 adult <span>Ebola survivors</span> and 81 uninfected close contacts who served as a comparison group. The results revealed that many people experienced significant neurological symptoms during the acute phase of the illness, some of which continued for seven long years.

During infection, survivors commonly reported headaches, altered mental status, and stroke-like symptoms. Long-term complications affected the brain and nervous system and included cognitive dysfunction, persistent headaches, sleep disturbances, depression, sexual dysfunction, tremors, fatigue, cranial nerve abnormalities, and abnormal sensations.

The researchers also found that headaches and neurological abnormalities remained more common among Ebola survivors than in people who had not been infected.

"Over time, survivors' symptoms and neurological examinations improved; however, more than 7 years later, a significant proportion continue to endorse memory loss," the researchers wrote in the study, published in <em>JAMA Neurology</em>.

<h2>Similarities to <span rel="noindex">Long COVID</span></h2>

Also read:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/who-says-ebola-fight-is-catching-up-expert-explains-science-behind-patient-recoveries-article-154468606" data-type="tilCustomLink"> WHO Says Ebola Fight Is Catching Up; Expert Explains Science Behind Patient Recoveries</a>

The study noted that many participants experienced symptoms similar to those seen in other post-infection conditions, including Long <span>COVID</span> and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). These symptoms included headaches, memory loss, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

"This suggests possible shared pathophysiology, including persistent viral antigen or immune dysregulation," the researchers said.

However, the authors pointed out some important differences. While Long <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/why-ebola-does-not-spread-like-covid-19-experts-explain-article-154394011" data-type="tilCustomLink">COVID </a> and ME/CFS are often associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, such problems were not clearly identified among Ebola survivors, although dizziness and light-headedness were common.

<h2>How Does Ebola Affect the Brain?</h2>

The exact cause of long-term neurological problems after Ebola infection remains unclear. The researchers explained that during the acute illness, brain-related symptoms may be due to widespread inflammation, electrolyte imbalances, low blood pressure, blood-clotting abnormalities, or direct infection of the brain and nervous system by the virus.

On the other hand, long-term neurological issues may stem from persistent immune system changes, prolonged recovery from severe illness, or lingering viral material in the body.

<h2>Need For Continued Mental Health Care</h2>

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ebola-bundibugyo-outbreak-uk-scientists-identify-23-unique-mutations-article-154511125" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ebola Bundibugyo Outbreak: UK Scientists Identify 23 Unique Mutations</a>

The researchers emphasized that neurological care should be a priority for clinicians treating Ebola survivors.

"Survivors experienced headaches, memory loss, and fatigue that may significantly impact quality of life," the authors wrote.

They noted that headaches often respond to standard preventive treatments, but survivors should continue to be monitored because of the rare risk of Ebola-related relapse in the central nervous system.

The study also found that many survivors experienced symptoms of depression, including suicidal thoughts. Because symptoms such as headaches, memory problems, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbances can overlap with psychiatric disorders, the researchers stressed the importance of mental health evaluation and care.

Fortunately, many of these symptoms appear to improve or resolve over time with appropriate treatment and support.

<h2>Will <span rel="noindex">Bundibugyo Survivors</span> Face Lasting Brain Issues? </h2>

The current Ebola outbreak is caused by the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ebola-bundibugyo-strain-all-you-should-know-about-the-rare-virus-article-154341776" data-type="tilCustomLink">Bundibugyo strain</a>, which differs from the strain responsible for the 2014–2016 West African epidemic. Unlike the Zaire strain, there are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments specifically for Bundibugyo Ebola, although some patients have recovered.

Researchers believe many of the long-term neurological effects observed in survivors of the West African outbreak could also occur in Bundibugyo survivors.

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People who survive Ebola virus disease (EVD) may continue to experience memory loss, irritability, and difficulty concentrating for more than seven years after recovering from the infection, according to a new study led by researchers at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).The findings come as Ebola outbreaks continue in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where confirmed cases have surpassed 650 and more than 130 deaths have been reported.Long-Term Neurological ProblemsThe NIH partnered with Liberia's Ministry of Health to study the long-term effects of the disease during the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, which caused more than 28,000 infections and over 11,000 deaths across Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.Researchers evaluated 148 adult Ebola survivors and 81 uninfected close contacts who served as a comparison group. The results revealed that many people experienced significant neurological symptoms during the acute phase of the illness, some of which continued for seven long years.During infection, survivors commonly reported headaches, altered mental status, and stroke-like symptoms. Long-term complications affected the brain and nervous system and included cognitive dysfunction, persistent headaches, sleep disturbances, depression, sexual dysfunction, tremors, fatigue, cranial nerve abnormalities, and abnormal sensations.The researchers also found that headaches and neurological abnormalities remained more common among Ebola survivors than in people who had not been infected."Over time, survivors' symptoms and neurological examinations improved; however, more than 7 years later, a significant proportion continue to endorse memory loss," the researchers wrote in the study, published in JAMA Neurology.Similarities to Long COVIDAlso read: WHO Says Ebola Fight Is Catching Up; Expert Explains Science Behind Patient RecoveriesThe study noted that many participants experienced symptoms similar to those seen in other post-infection conditions, including Long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). These symptoms included headaches, memory loss, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating."This suggests possible shared pathophysiology, including persistent viral antigen or immune dysregulation," the researchers said.However, the authors pointed out some important differences. While Long COVID  and ME/CFS are often associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, such problems were not clearly identified among Ebola survivors, although dizziness and light-headedness were common.How Does Ebola Affect the Brain?The exact cause of long-term neurological problems after Ebola infection remains unclear. The researchers explained that during the acute illness, brain-related symptoms may be due to widespread inflammation, electrolyte imbalances, low blood pressure, blood-clotting abnormalities, or direct infection of the brain and nervous system by the virus.On the other hand, long-term neurological issues may stem from persistent immune system changes, prolonged recovery from severe illness, or lingering viral material in the body.Need For Continued Mental Health CareRead More: Ebola Bundibugyo Outbreak: UK Scientists Identify 23 Unique MutationsThe researchers emphasized that neurological care should be a priority for clinicians treating Ebola survivors."Survivors experienced headaches, memory loss, and fatigue that may significantly impact quality of life," the authors wrote.They noted that headaches often respond to standard preventive treatments, but survivors should continue to be monitored because of the rare risk of Ebola-related relapse in the central nervous system.The study also found that many survivors experienced symptoms of depression, including suicidal thoughts. Because symptoms such as headaches, memory problems, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbances can overlap with psychiatric disorders, the researchers stressed the importance of mental health evaluation and care.Fortunately, many of these symptoms appear to improve or resolve over time with appropriate treatment and support.Will Bundibugyo Survivors Face Lasting Brain Issues? The current Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which differs from the strain responsible for the 2014–2016 West African epidemic. Unlike the Zaire strain, there are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments specifically for Bundibugyo Ebola, although some patients have recovered.Researchers believe many of the long-term neurological effects observed in survivors of the West African outbreak could also occur in Bundibugyo survivors.

ebola survivors may face covid-like memory loss and brain issues for over 7 years: nih study

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Ebola Survivors May Face COVID-Like Memory Loss and Brain Issues For Over 7 Years: NIH Study

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Ebola Survivors May Face COVID-Like Memory Loss and Brain Issues For Over 7 Years: NIH Study

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