Statistics
How deadly is Ebola? Fatality rate per strain
The case fatality rate (CFR) of Ebola averages around 50% and ranges from 25% to 90% depending on the virus strain and available care. Untreated Zaire Ebola is one of the deadliest known viral diseases — modern treatment can however reduce mortality to under 10%.
CFR per strain
Deadliest strain. Responsible for West Africa 2014.
With Inmazeb or Ebanga and early IV care.
No approved vaccine. Outbreaks in Uganda.
Only two outbreaks (2007, 2012).
Single case in 1994 (Ivory Coast), patient recovered.
Does not cause disease in humans.
Comparison with other infectious diseases
For context — fatality rate alone says little without contagiousness (R0). Ebola is extremely deadly but hard to transmit; flu is mild but spreads rapidly.
Filoviridae, RNA virus
Related filovirus
Coronavirus from the Middle East
Coronavirus
Influenza A
SARS-CoV-2 (early pandemic)
Influenza A/B
What explains the difference?
- • Virus strain — Zaire is genetically more aggressive than Sudan or Bundibugyo.
- • Access to care — IV rehydration alone reduces mortality by ~20 percentage points.
- • Early diagnosis — starting monoclonal therapy within 4 days halves mortality.
- • Health status — malnutrition and co-infections (malaria, HIV) raise risk.