Ebola virus disease
This page is an overview of Ebola virus disease (EVD), a severe and often fatal viral haemorrhagic fever caused by orthoebolaviruses. For clinical guidance refer to current WHO and CDC resources.
Ebolavirus species
Zaire ebolavirus
- Region
- Central and West Africa
- Case fatality
- ~60–90%
- Reservoir
- Fruit bats (Pteropodidae) suspected
Sudan ebolavirus
- Region
- East Africa (Uganda, South Sudan)
- Case fatality
- ~40–55%
- Reservoir
- Unknown (bats suspected)
Bundibugyo ebolavirus
- Region
- Uganda, DR Congo
- Case fatality
- ~25–40%
- Reservoir
- Unknown
Reston ebolavirus
- Region
- Philippines, China (in animals)
- Case fatality
- No human disease reported
- Reservoir
- Bats; non-human primates and pigs
Taï Forest ebolavirus
- Region
- Côte d'Ivoire (Taï Forest)
- Case fatality
- Single recorded human case (survived)
- Reservoir
- Unknown
| Species | Region | Case fatality | Reservoir |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zaire ebolavirus | Central and West Africa | ~60–90% | Fruit bats (Pteropodidae) suspected |
| Sudan ebolavirus | East Africa (Uganda, South Sudan) | ~40–55% | Unknown (bats suspected) |
| Bundibugyo ebolavirus | Uganda, DR Congo | ~25–40% | Unknown |
| Reston ebolavirus | Philippines, China (in animals) | No human disease reported | Bats; non-human primates and pigs |
| Taï Forest ebolavirus | Côte d'Ivoire (Taï Forest) | Single recorded human case (survived) | Unknown |
Frequently asked questions
How is Ebola transmitted?
Through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or tissues of infected people or animals, or with surfaces and materials contaminated with those fluids. Airborne transmission is not a recognised route in humans.
Is there a vaccine?
Yes for one species: Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) is licensed against Zaire ebolavirus. As of 2024 there are no licensed vaccines for Sudan, Bundibugyo, Reston or Taï Forest ebolavirus.
How quickly do symptoms appear after exposure?
Incubation is typically 2 to 21 days from exposure, with most cases becoming symptomatic between days 8 and 10.