FAQ on the Ebola virus

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1. What are Ebola viruses and where do they occur?

Like the Marburg virus, the Ebola virus is an RNA virus from the Filoviridae family. Several types of Ebola virus can cause serious illness in humans, including Zaire Ebola virus, Sudan Ebola virus and Bundibugyo Ebola virus.

Ebola outbreaks are regularly reported in countries in East and Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Major outbreaks have also occurred in West Africa, for example in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia between 2014 and 2016.

2. What are the symptoms of infection?

After an incubation period of 2 to 21 days, the disease usually begins suddenly with high fever, severe malaise, headache and muscle pain. Vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain often develop as the disease progresses.

Severe cases are accompanied by shock and multiple organ failure. Internal and external bleeding may occur. This is where the original name ‘viral haemorrhagic fever’ comes from, but these symptoms are rare. The mortality rate varies depending on the type of virus and medical care and ranges between 25 and 90 percent.

3. How is the Ebola virus transmitted to humans?

Certain species of fruit bats are believed to be the reservoir of the Ebola virus. Transmission to humans can occur when handling infected wild animals.

Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected or deceased persons, as well as with contaminated surfaces or objects. Infection before the onset of the first symptoms is considered unlikely. Studies – including those involving the BNITM – also show that the Ebola virus can be detected in some bodily fluids for much longer than in blood. Semen has been particularly well studied, with virus components still being found months after the illness. Health authorities therefore recommend that men who have recovered refrain from sexual intercourse for a period of time or use condoms to prevent possible transmission.

4. What treatment is available?

There is no specific, widely applicable antiviral medication available. Treatment consists of supportive measures such as fluid and electrolyte replacement, stabilisation of the circulatory system and treatment of complications.

Approved vaccines are available for the Zaire ebolavirus. Vaccine candidates for other virus types are currently in clinical development.

5. How can you protect yourself from Ebola virus disease?

Consistent hygiene and protective measures are important: avoiding contact with potentially infected wild animals, wearing appropriate protective clothing in medical settings, and following safe procedures when handling contaminated materials.

In outbreak regions, there are clear guidelines for isolating sick people and safely burying the deceased. In addition, ring vaccinations are used, where available, to vaccinate contacts and contacts of contacts in order to interrupt chains of transmission at an early stage.

6. Further information

www.who.int/health-topics/ebola

www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/ebola-and-marburg-fevers

www.rki.de/Ebola.html