Explainer
What is Ebola?
Ebola is a severe, often fatal viral disease caused by the Ebola virus — a member of the Filoviridae family. It is also known as Ebola virus disease (EVD) or Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Since its discovery in 1976 there have been more than 35 outbreaks, almost all in Central and West Africa.
How does the virus work?
Ebola is a single-stranded RNA virus. It binds to human cells via a glycoprotein and multiplies rapidly — especially in macrophages and dendritic cells. The virus suppresses the immune response and damages blood vessel walls, leading to clotting disorders, bleeding and multi-organ failure.
Five strains
There are five known Ebola strains. Zaire is the deadliest and caused most large outbreaks. Sudan occurs mainly in Uganda and has no approved vaccine yet. Bundibugyoand Taï Forest are rare. Reston does not cause disease in humans. View all outbreaks →
How do you get Ebola?
Only through direct contact with body fluids of a sick or deceased person, or with contaminated surfaces. Ebola does not spread through the air. A person becomes infectious only once symptoms appear. Read about transmission →
What are the symptoms?
Sudden high fever, severe headache, muscle pain and exhaustion, followed by vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases bleeding. Symptoms appear 2 to 21 days after exposure. All symptoms →
Can Ebola be cured?
Since 2019 the Ervebo vaccine (rVSV-ZEBOV) is approved against Zaire ebolavirus, and since 2020 two monoclonal antibody treatments (Inmazeb, Ebanga). With early treatment, mortality drops from around 50% to under 10%. Treatment and vaccines →