About the Ebola Virus

Ebola belongs to the Filoviridae family. There are six known species, of which Zaire ebolavirus is the most lethal (up to 90% fatality). The virus has a filamentous (thread-like) structure and contains a single-stranded RNA genome.

• Zaire ebolavirus (most common, most lethal)
• Sudan ebolavirus
• Bundibugyo ebolavirus
• Taï Forest ebolavirus
• Reston ebolavirus (not pathogenic to humans)
• Bombali ebolavirus (recently discovered)

The virus is transmitted through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected persons, and with surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids. It does NOT spread through the air.

Fruit bats (particularly of the Pteropodidae family) are considered the natural host. Introduction to humans can occur through contact with wild animals (bushmeat).

The incubation period is 2 to 21 days. The disease begins abruptly with:

Diagnosis is done via RT-PCR tests and ELISA. No specific antiviral treatment is approved; treatment is supportive: intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and management of specific symptoms.

In 2020, two monoclonal antibody treatments (Inmazeb and Ebanga) were approved by the FDA for treatment of Zaire ebolavirus.

Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) is the first approved Ebola vaccine (2019). It protects against Zaire ebolavirus and is deployed via ring vaccination during outbreaks. A second vaccine (Zabdeno/Mvabea) is approved as a two-dose regimen.