Updated: June 29, 2026
What is Ebola?
Ebola disease is a rare but serious viral hemorrhagic fever caused by infection with one of four orthoebolaviruses known to infect humans: Ebola virus, Sudan virus, Bundibugyo virus, and Taï Forest virus. Ebola can cause severe illness and death if not recognized and treated promptly. The virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola or has died from the disease and does not spread through the air like influenza or COVID-19.
What are the Symptoms?
Although most people become ill within 8 to 10 days, symptoms may develop 2 to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms of Ebola usually begin suddenly and may progress rapidly. Early symptoms often include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and sore throat. As illness worsens, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. Severe cases can lead to organ failure, shock, and death.
- Early symptoms: fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue
- Later symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, rash, unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Severe complications: dehydration, bleeding, organ failure, death
- High-risk groups: healthcare workers, caregivers, laboratory workers, and people exposed to infected bodily fluids
How can Ebola be Prevented?
Ebola is not spread through the air, water, or casual contact.
The risk of infection can be greatly reduced by avoiding contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person and by following the recommended infection prevention and control practices:
- Frequent handwashing and good hand hygiene
- Avoiding contact with blood or body fluids of infected individuals
- Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings
- Rapid identification and isolation of suspected cases
- Safe cleaning and disinfection of contaminated surfaces and materials
- Safe burial practices during outbreaks
- Following public health and travel guidance during outbreaks
Who is Most Vulnerable?
People at highest risk include:
- Healthcare workers who take care of Ebola patients
- Laboratory personnel who work with samples taken from Ebola patients
- Family members and household caregivers of infected individuals
- People involved in funeral and burial practices for individuals who died from Ebola
- Travelers to areas experiencing active Ebola outbreaks
Pregnant individuals, young children, and people with weakened immune systems may be at increased risk of severe complications if infected.
The course of the disease can be very severe and even fatal. For more information about Ebola and the current outbreak, please visit the CDC's Ebola webpage.