Ebola
Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses, known as orthoebolaviruses (formerly ebolavirus)1. These viruses can cause serious illness that, without treatment, can cause death. Orthoebolaviruses were discovered in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.
There are four orthoebolaviruses that cause illness in people:
- Ebola virus (species Orthoebolavirus zairense) causes Ebola virus disease.
- Sudan virus (species Orthoebolavirus sudanense) causes Sudan virus disease.
- Taï Forest virus (species Orthoebolavirus taiense) causes Taï Forest virus disease.
- Bundibugyo virus (species Orthoebolavirus bundibugyoense) causes Bundibugyo virus disease.
Some orthoebolaviruses do not cause illness in people. Reston virus (species Orthoebolavirus restonense) can cause illness in nonhuman primates and pigs. Bombali virus (species Orthoebolavirus bombaliense) was identified in bats, but scientists don't know if it causes illness in animals or people.
People with Ebola disease may experience "dry" symptoms early in the course of illness. These symptoms may include fever, aches, pains, and fatigue. As the person becomes sicker, the illness typically progresses to "wet" symptoms and may include diarrhea, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding. Learn more from the CDC.
Healthcare providers and family members caring for someone with Ebola disease without proper infection control methods have the highest risk of infection.
The viruses that cause Ebola disease pose little risk to travelers or the general public.
People can get Ebola disease through contact with the body fluids of an infected sick or dead person. Rarely, some people can get the disease from contact with an infected animal, like a bat or primate.
When living in or traveling to regions where viruses that spread Ebola disease may be present, take steps to protect yourself.
Avoid contact with body fluids
Avoid contact with body fluids from people and animals, including
- Blood and body fluids, like urine, feces, saliva, sweat, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, semen, and vaginal fluid from people who are sick.
- Semen from someone who has recovered from Ebola disease, until testing shows that the virus is no longer in the semen.
- Clothes, bedding, needles, medical equipment, or other items that may have touched an infected person's blood or body fluids.
- The body of someone who is suspected or confirmed to have had Ebola disease (such as during a funeral or burial practices).
- Bats, forest antelopes, primates, and blood, fluids, or raw meat from these or unknown animals.
Wear protective equipment
Wear protective equipment if you come in contact with people who are sick or have died from Ebola disease, their blood and body fluids, or objects covered with their blood or body fluids.
Monitor your health
If you return from an area with an ongoing Ebola outbreak, monitor your health for 21 days. Seek medical care immediately if you develop symptoms of Ebola disease.
Healthcare providers use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to diagnose Ebola disease. They can also test for orthoebolavirus antibodies.
Someone being tested for Ebola disease should be separated from other people in a healthcare facility until results are confirmed.
Two FDA-approved treatments2 are currently available to treat Ebola disease (species Orthoebolavirus zairense only): Inmazeb™ and Ebanga™.
Supportive care:
Patients have a much better chance of surviving if they receive:
- Fluids and electrolytes (body salts) by mouth or into their veins.
- Medicine to support blood pressure, reduce vomiting and diarrhea, and to manage fever and pain.
- Treatment for other infections, if they occur.