Q&A: The disease of nightmares, but what is Ebola?

EBOLA is a severe, often fatal illness, with a death rate of up to 90%. The illness affects humans as well as primates, including monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees.

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HOW does it spread?


WHO is most at risk?

Health workers, family members or others in close contact with infected, mourners with direct contact with the bodies of deceased victims, hunters in contact with dead animals.

“There is no licensed vaccine anywhere in the world”

WHAT are the symptoms?

Sudden onset of fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat.


WHAT is the treatment?

Severely-ill patients require intensive supportive care. They need intravenous fluids to rehydrate them.

But there is currently no specific drugs for the disease.

CAN Ebola be prevented?

There is no licensed vaccine anywhere in the world.