How contagious is Ebola?

Short answer

Moderately contagious: without control measures one patient infects on average 1.5 to 2 others. Far less than measles (12–18) or flu, but very deadly.

Active outbreaks

Cases this year

13,565

Deaths this year

2,755

Transmission occurs through direct contact with blood, vomit, stool, sweat or semen of a sick or deceased person, or via contaminated objects such as needles.

A person only becomes contagious once symptoms appear. The sicker the patient, the more virus. Funerals and home care are therefore the largest risks.

All about transmission

Email alerts

Stay updated whenever a new outbreak emerges.

Get notified the moment WHO or CDC publishes a new outbreak, case or major update.