Key facts

Ebola is a rare but severe and often fatal illness in humans

It is transmitted through contact with infected animals or the body fluids of an infected person

The average Ebola case fatality rate is around 50 per cent, though this rate varies

Early supportive care with rehydration and symptom treatment improves survival.

There are now vaccines and treatments for some types of Ebola

Overview

Ebola virus disease (EVD), previously known as Ebola haemorrhagenic fever, is a rare and serious illness in humans that is often fatal. The disease occurs in western and central Africa and is transmitted to humans via wild animals such as fruit bats and monkeys.…