Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness caused by Ebola virus, characterised by fever and, in many cases, bleeding complications. Outbreaks occur periodically in parts of Africa and require urgent, coordinated public health response.

• Sudden onset of fever, severe headache, and muscle pain
• Weakness, fatigue, and sore throat
• Vomiting and diarrhoea, often severe
• Bleeding, including from the gums or in the stool, in more advanced disease
• Rash may occur in some cases

• Caused by Ebola virus, believed to originate in certain wild animal reservoirs, with human outbreaks often starting from contact with infected wildlife.
• Spreads between people through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials of an infected (including deceased) person.
• Healthcare workers and caregivers of sick individuals are at particular risk without proper protective measures.

• Suspected based on the combination of fever and other characteristic symptoms in someone with a relevant exposure history — such as contact with a confirmed case, travel to an affected area, or contact with wildlife in an outbreak region.
• Confirmed through specialised laboratory testing of blood samples, performed under strict biosafety precautions at designated reference laboratories.

Ebola virus disease is a medical emergency requiring immediate isolation and treatment at a specialised facility equipped for high-consequence infectious diseases.

Supportive care — careful fluid and electrolyte management, treatment of complications, and nutritional support — significantly improves survival.

Specific antiviral treatments and antibody-based therapies may be available in some outbreak settings and can improve outcomes when given early.

Strict infection prevention and control measures, including personal protective equipment and safe burial practices, are essential to prevent further spread.

• Avoid contact with wild animals, particularly bats and non-human primates, and their raw meat, in areas with known or possible Ebola circulation.
• Avoid direct contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone suspected or confirmed to have Ebola, including during burial practices.
• Seek immediate medical attention and report to health authorities if experiencing fever after contact with a confirmed case or high-risk exposure.
• Support outbreak response measures, including safe and dignified burial practices, contact tracing, and vaccination where available.