History
History of Ebola: from 1976 until today
The Ebola virus was discovered in 1976 during two simultaneous outbreaks in Central Africa. Since then there have been dozens of outbreaks — usually local and rapidly contained, with a few exceptions. The 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic was the largest and changed the global approach to outbreak control.
Timeline of key events
- 1976Yambuku, Zaire + Nzara, South Sudan
First two known outbreaks (simultaneous). 318 + 284 cases. Named after the Ebola River.
- 1989Reston, Virginia (USA)
Reston strain discovered in Filipino macaques in a lab. Causes no disease in humans.
- 1994Taï Forest, Ivory Coast
Taï Forest strain discovered after autopsy on a chimpanzee. Single human case, patient recovered.
- 1995Kikwit, DR Congo
Large urban outbreak with 315 cases, 81% mortality. First time of major global media attention.
- 2000Gulu, Uganda
First major Sudan strain outbreak — 425 cases, 53% mortality.
- 2007Bundibugyo, Uganda
Fifth Ebola strain discovered: Bundibugyo ebolavirus.
- 2014–2016Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone
Largest outbreak ever. 28,616 cases, 11,310 deaths. WHO PHEIC. First experimental vaccines deployed.
- 2018–2020North Kivu & Ituri, DR Congo
Second largest outbreak: 3,470 cases, 2,287 deaths. First large-scale deployment of Ervebo vaccine.
- 2019Worldwide
Ervebo vaccine (rVSV-ZEBOV) approved by FDA and EMA.
- 2020Worldwide
Inmazeb and Ebanga (monoclonal antibodies) approved for treatment.
- 2022Mubende, Uganda
Sudan strain outbreak — experimental Sabin vaccine deployed via ring trials.
- 2025Bulape, DR Congo
Most recent outbreak of Zaire ebolavirus.
Where does Ebola come from?
Ebola is a zoonosis — a virus that jumps from animal to human. The natural reservoir is most likely the fruit bat of Central Africa. People become infected through contact with infected animals — often while slaughtering or eating bushmeat — or through secondary transmission from sick primates. Once in humans, the virus can spread through body fluids.