🩸 Ebola Virus Disease
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by Ebola virus, a member of the family Filoviridae. Outbreaks occur primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and carry case fatality rates between 25% and 90% depending on strain and access to care. A novel variant emerged in the DRC's Ituri Province in 2026, triggering a WHO Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Key facts
- Case fatality rate 25–90% depending on strain and care availability
- Two FDA-approved treatments: Inmazeb and Ebanga
- One FDA-approved vaccine: rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo)
- Spreads only through direct contact with infectious body fluids — not airborne
Most-asked questions
- What are Ebola symptoms?
- How does Ebola spread?
- Is there a vaccine for Ebola?
- What is the current 2026 Ebola outbreak?
- What is the risk of Ebola in the U.S.?
These questions are answered in depth on EbolaQuestions.com.
2026 DRC Ituri Province Outbreak
In May 2026, the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern for an outbreak of a novel Ebola variant in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. This variant does not match any previously characterized Ebola strain, creating significant scientific uncertainty regarding vaccine efficacy, antiviral treatment response, and some epidemiological parameters.
Risk to the United States: Low. There is no evidence of spread beyond the active outbreak region. The CDC has issued Level 1 (Practice Usual Precautions) travel guidance for the affected area and is monitoring the situation.
What is Ebola virus disease?
Ebola virus disease is caused by one of six identified Ebola virus species in the genus Ebolavirus. The most lethal — and the cause of most large outbreaks — is Zaire ebolavirus. The natural reservoir is thought to be fruit bats (Pteropodidae family), though the reservoir remains incompletely understood. (CDC: About Ebola)
How Ebola spreads
Ebola is not airborne. It spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other body fluids of infected people or animals. Healthcare workers and family members who care for infected patients are at highest risk. Sexual transmission is possible from survivors who may carry the virus in semen for up to 12 months. (CDC: Ebola Transmission)
Symptoms
Ebola symptoms appear 2–21 days after exposure (average 8–10 days). The illness progresses rapidly: fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat are followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and — in severe cases — internal and external bleeding. Early recognition and isolation are critical; patients become contagious only after symptoms begin. (CDC: Ebola Symptoms)
Treatment and vaccines
FDA-approved treatments
Two monoclonal antibody therapies are FDA-approved for Zaire ebolavirus: atoltivimab/maftivimab/odesivimab (Inmazeb) and ansuvimab (Ebanga). Both target the Zaire strain. Efficacy against the novel 2026 DRC variant has not yet been established. (FDA: Ebola Treatments)
FDA-approved vaccine
rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo) is FDA-approved and WHO-prequalified for prevention of Zaire ebolavirus. It uses a ring vaccination strategy in outbreak settings. As with treatment, efficacy against the novel 2026 variant is under active investigation. (FDA: Ervebo)
Comprehensive coverage at EbolaQuestions.com
Full pages on symptoms, transmission, outbreak history, current 2026 outbreak, healthcare worker guidance, travel risk, prevention, misinformation, and research. Updated with verified news daily.
This page provides a summary of Ebola virus disease. For comprehensive information, visit EbolaQuestions.com. Summarized from CDC and WHO guidance. Last reviewed: .