Long-Term Neurologic and Neurocognitive Sequelae Following Pediatric Ebola Virus in Liberia

Plain-language summary

Background: Ebola virus disease (EVD) causes fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, and may cause internal bleeding. It is often fatal. EVD may also damage the brain and nervous system. It can cause headaches, tremors, weakness, and other problems. These issues can continue for years after people recover from EVD infection. Researchers want to understand more about how EVD may have affected the brains of people who contracted the disease as children. Objective: To learn more about the long-term effects of EVD on the brain and nervous system in people who had the disease as children. Eligibility: People who were less than 18 years old when they took part in a previous study called the PREVAIL III Natural History of Ebola study. They can be either a survivor of EVD or a close contact. A close contact is someone who had a relationship with a person who survived EVD but never had the disease themself. Design: Participants will have 1 clinic visit. They will undergo several tasks: They will have an exam of their nervous system performed by a neurologist. They will do physical tasks and answer questions about any problems or symptoms since they had EVD. They may have blood drawn. They will have tests of their memory, attention, and thinking skills. For one test, participants will answer questions and solve puzzles using pencil and paper. For another test, they will play 4 different games on an iPad. They will have an interview. A researcher will ask questions about their mood and other symptoms that may affect their brain and nervous system; their past medical diagnoses, symptoms, and experiences; and how they are doing at home, school, or work.

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