Ebola disease

A severe, often fatal illness caused by orthoebolaviruses (e.g. Zaire, Sudan, Bundibugyo), occurring in outbreaks mainly in sub-Saharan Africa.

How it spreads

Direct contact with blood or body fluids of infected or deceased people, or contaminated objects; also from infected animals. It is not airborne.

Common symptoms

Sudden fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function and, in some cases, bleeding.

When to seek care

Fever within 21 days of leaving an affected area — contact local health authorities immediately and explain the travel/exposure history; do not simply walk into a general clinic.

Prevention & treatment

In affected areas avoid contact with ill people, bodies and wildlife; a vaccine and treatments exist for Zaire ebolavirus, but not yet for other species such as Bundibugyo — supportive care remains central.

Unknowns & ongoing research

Vaccines and treatments for non-Zaire species are still in development; viral persistence in survivors and relapse risk are under study.

Related WHO notices

WHO Disease Outbreak News · Last successful update on this site: 2026-11-12 01:10 UTC

Official sources & interactive data