Ebola is a rare but severe, often fatal illness in humans and nonhuman primates caused by viruses within the genus Orthoebolavirus (formerly Ebolavirus ). First recognized in 1976 in simultaneous outbreaks in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and South Sudan, it takes its name from the Ebola River. 🔬 Virology & Species
: Spreads via direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes and the bodily fluids (blood, saliva, sweat, vomit, feces) of an infected person. It also spreads via contaminated surfaces and materials. Ebola is a rare but severe, often fatal
The virus is zoonotic, meaning it spreads from animals to humans, and can subsequently spread through human-to-human transmission. It also spreads via contaminated surfaces and materials
: Occurs through close contact with the blood, secretions, or organs of infected animals (such as bats, chimpanzees, or forest antelopes). The virus belongs to the Filoviridae family
The virus belongs to the Filoviridae family. There are six identified species, four of which cause disease in humans:
Internal and external bleeding (e.g., gums, stools), though not universally present 🏥 Diagnosis & Management Ebola Disease Basics - CDC