Question 1

Can Ebola spread through the air?

Accepted Answer

No. Ebola spreads only through direct contact with body fluids of a sick person or contaminated surfaces.

Question 2

Is there a vaccine against Ebola?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) has been approved since 2019 and offers >97% protection against Zaire ebolavirus.

Question 3

How deadly is Ebola?

Accepted Answer

The average case fatality rate is around 50%, but varies from 25% to 90% depending on the strain and available medical care.

Question 4

Can I get Ebola in the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

The risk is extremely low. There has never been an Ebola outbreak in the Netherlands.

Question 5

How long before symptoms appear?

Accepted Answer

The incubation period is 2 to 21 days, with an average of 8-10 days.

Question 6

Is Ebola treatable?

Accepted Answer

There is no specific antiviral, but supportive care significantly improves survival. Two monoclonal antibody treatments (Inmazeb, Ebanga) were approved in 2020.

Question 7

Where does the Ebola virus come from?

Accepted Answer

The virus is believed to originate from fruit bats in tropical Africa.

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