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Disease information

Ebola virus disease

Ebola disease is a serious viral illness caused by a group of related viruses found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. It can progress from fever and tiredness to severe illness. Ordinary travel usually carries a low risk. People caring for someone who is ill or handling the body of someone who has died face higher risk without appropriate protection.

Prevention: Mixed

Symptoms

  • Fever, marked tiredness, headache and muscle aches
  • Vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain
  • Sometimes unexplained bleeding as illness worsens

Transmission

  • Direct contact with body fluids from an infected person who is ill or has died
  • Contaminated bedding, clothing or medical equipment
  • Contact with infected animals; sexual transmission from infected semen can occur after recovery

Prevention

Avoid contact with potentially infected body fluids, contaminated items and sick or dead wildlife. Caregiving requires appropriate infection-control measures. Vaccination is used for particular risk groups and virus types; it does not protect against every cause of Ebola disease.

Diagnosis and care

After possible exposure, follow public-health monitoring advice. Symptoms following exposure need immediate medical assessment. Early hospital care, including fluids and treatment of complications, improves the chance of recovery.

Source

  • Ebola Disease Basics

    Based on CDC information

    Source language: English

    Source reviewed: April 23, 2024

    Source accessed: May 17, 2026

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