Pronounced: ee-BOWL-uh Vi-russ Dizz-ez
Ebola is a rare, life-threatening, viral infection. It is found in humans and animals. It needs care right away.
The infection is caused by ebolaviruses. The viruses pass between people through contact with:
The viruses enter the body though breaks in the skin. They can also enter the eyes, nose, or mouth.
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Ebola is most common in central Africa. The risk is higher for those who live in or travel to that area.
The risk is highest for those who:
Common symptoms of Ebola are:
The doctor will ask about symptoms, travel and health history. A physical exam may be done. Ebola is diagnosed by blood tests.
Treatment is focused on life support. It involves giving:
Ebola may be prevented by:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov
World Health Organization
http://www.who.int
Alberta Health Services
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Ebola virus disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola. Accessed February 2, 2021.
Ebola virus disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/ebola-virus-disease. Accessed February 2, 2021.
Ebola virus disease. World Health Organization (WHO) website. Available at:
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Accessed February 2, 2021.
Feldmann H, Sprecher A, et al. Ebola. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(19):1832-1842.
Last reviewed September 2020 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP