Ebola has a case fatality rate of 25-90% depending on the virus strain and quality of medical care. The most common strain (Zaire ebolavirus) has averaged 50% fatality in recent outbreaks. Early supportive care significantly improves survival. Without treatment, mortality can exceed 90%.

How does Ebola spread?

Ebola spreads through direct contact with blood or body fluids (sweat, vomit, feces, urine, saliva, breast milk) of infected people or animals, or with contaminated objects (needles, bedding). It does NOT spread through air, water, or food (except bushmeat). Person is only contagious when symptomatic.

Is there a vaccine or treatment for Ebola?

Yes. ERVEBO vaccine protects against Zaire ebolavirus (used in outbreak response). Two monoclonal antibody treatments (Inmazeb, Ebanga) significantly reduce death rates when given early. Supportive care (IV fluids, electrolytes, oxygen, blood pressure support) is critical. Early treatment doubles survival rates.

How long does it take to get sick after exposure?

Incubation period is 2-21 days (average 8-10 days). People are NOT contagious during incubation—only after symptoms appear. This window allows for contact tracing and isolation of exposed individuals before they become infectious.

Can Ebola spread from recovered patients?

Rarely. Virus can persist in immune-privileged sites (testes, eyes, spinal fluid, breast milk) for months after recovery. Sexual transmission from male survivors has occurred up to one year after recovery. Survivors should use condoms for 12 months after recovery or until semen tests negative twice.

Where do Ebola outbreaks occur?

Primarily in tropical regions of Central and West Africa, where fruit bats (natural reservoir) live. Recent outbreaks: Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Uganda. Risk to travelers is extremely low. Check the live outbreak data above for current Ebola activity.

Ebola

Ebola is a rare but severe viral disease with high mortality rates (25-90%). It causes fever, severe bleeding, organ failure, and often death. Outbreaks occur primarily in Central and West Africa.

Countries Affected

No data

Recent Cases (30d)

Active Outbreaks

N/A

Last Updated

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What is Ebola?

Ebola virus disease (EVD) first appeared in 1976 in simultaneous outbreaks in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The largest outbreak (2014-2016) in West Africa caused over 11,000 deaths. While outbreaks are sporadic, Ebola's high fatality rate and potential for spread make it a global health security concern. Vaccines and treatments developed in recent years have improved outcomes.

Symptoms

Sudden fever and severe fatigue
Muscle and joint pain
Severe headache
Sore throat
Vomiting and diarrhea
Stomach pain
Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Rash

Transmission

Direct contact with blood or body fluids of infected people/animals; contaminated objects; infected bushmeat. Not airborne. Only contagious when symptomatic.

Contagious Period: From symptom onset until virus is no longer in blood/body fluids; can persist in semen up to 12 months

Prevention

ERVEBO vaccine for outbreak response and high-risk individuals
Avoid contact with blood and body fluids
Don't handle items touched by infected person
Avoid funeral/burial rituals involving contact with deceased
Avoid bushmeat in outbreak areas
Healthcare workers: strict PPE and infection control
Isolate suspected/confirmed cases
Contact tracing and monitoring
Safe burial practices

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance

Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies

No Active Outbreaks Detected

Our AI-powered surveillance hasn't detected significant Ebola activity in the past 30 days.

Real-time monitoring continues 24/7 across BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ global health agencies

What This Means

Currently, Ebola case counts are within baseline expectations globally. However, diseases can emerge rapidly, which is why continuous monitoring is critical.

Stay Prepared

Download the Virus Watcher app to get instant alerts if Ebola activity increases in your region or travel destinations.

Prevention Remains Important

Even without active outbreaks, understanding Ebola prevention helps protect you and your community:

ERVEBO vaccine for outbreak response and high-risk individuals
Avoid contact with blood and body fluids
Don't handle items touched by infected person
Avoid funeral/burial rituals involving contact with deceased
Avoid bushmeat in outbreak areas
Healthcare workers: strict PPE and infection control
Isolate suspected/confirmed cases
Contact tracing and monitoring
Safe burial practices

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Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources →

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

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Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-05

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ebola answered by our epidemiology team

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