01/06/2026
EBOLA VIRUS
ebola virus is a virus that causes Ebola virus disease (EVD), a severe and often life-threatening illness in humans and other primates. It belongs to the family Filoviridae and was first identified in 1976 during outbreaks in what are now Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan.
Key facts
Transmission: Through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected people or animals.
Not airborne: Ebola does not spread through the air like influenza or measles.
Symptoms:
Fever
Severe headache
Muscle pain
Weakness
Vomiting and diarrhea
Rash
Internal and external bleeding (in some cases)
Incubation period: Typically 2–21 days after exposure.
How it affects the body
The virus infects immune cells and damages blood vessels and organs, which can lead to severe dehydration, shock, organ failure, and bleeding complications.
Treatment
There is no simple cure, but outcomes have improved greatly with:
Early supportive care (fluids, electrolytes, oxygen)
Intensive medical monitoring
Antiviral treatments such as Inmazeb and Ebanga
Prevention
Avoid contact with infected individuals and their bodily fluids.
Use protective equipment in healthcare settings.
Safe burial practices during outbreaks.
Vaccination with Ervebo in areas at risk of outbreaks.
Mortality
Depending on the virus species, outbreak conditions, and access to care, case fatality rates have ranged from about 25% to 90%, though modern treatment has significantly improved survival.
