Ebola virus: the latest on the epidemic

Definition and origin of Ebola virus disease

The Ebola virus is responsible for Ebola virus disease, a severe viral haemorrhagic fever that can be fatal in humans. 

When and how did the Ebola virus emerge?

The Ebola virus takes its name from the Ebola River, a tributary of the Congo River in the north of what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), located near one of the first identified affected households. In 1976, two distinct epidemics were identified simultaneously: one near Nzara, at that time in Sudan, and the other in the village of Yambuku in the DRC. These two events marked the official discovery of the pathogen. 

The original epidemic is likely to have been caused by close contact between human populations and infected wild animals in forest environments in Central Africa. Consumption of raw or undercooked meat from primates or other wild animals that carry the virus is one of the channels through which the pathogen was introduced to human communities. 

There are several distinct species within the Ebolavirus genus. The most widely known and most fatal is the Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), which has caused the deadliest outbreaks, especially in the DRC and West Africa. The Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV) was identified during the 1976 outbreak in Sudan, and it has caused several epidemics since. Meanwhile, the Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV) has been at the heart of two epidemics, one in 2007 in Uganda and another in 2012 in the DRC. 

Every variety presents its own epidemiological characteristics, especially in terms of average mortality rate and geographical area of emergence. To date, the Zaire strain, which is the most common and therefore the best known, has benefited from extensive research that has led to the development of vaccines and treatments capable of rapidly controlling outbreaks. Unfortunately, there are still no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain, which had previously caused only two relatively minor outbreaks.

Ebola transmission: how is the virus spread? 

To be transmitted, the Ebola virus requires direct contact with the biological fluids of an infected person: blood, sweat, saliva, vomit, faeces, urine, breast milk or sperm. The virus is transmitted when these liquids make contact with someone’s mucous membranes or wounds on their skin. It can also spread via contact with surfaces and materials contaminated by the virus. 

The transmission is mainly concentrated in the following situations: care for patients without adequate personal protective equipment, traditional funeral practices and rites that involve direct contact with the body of the deceased, and handling and consumption of raw or undercooked meat from potentially infected wild animals. Health care staff are among the most exposed populations when major outbreaks occur. 

What are the symptoms of Ebola virus disease? 

How long is the incubation period? 

Following exposure to the virus, the incubation period (time between infection and emergence of symptoms) varies from 2 to 21 days (4–10 days on average). (WHO) 

During this phase, the infected person is not contagious: the virus is only transmissible when the first symptoms appear. 

The first signs of the illness are vague and can easily be confused with other tropical infectious diseases, like malaria and typhoid. The symptoms of Ebola disease can appear suddenly and include fever, intense headaches, fatigue, muscle pain and conjunctivitis. They are followed by a sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal or chest pain and rashes. There is then a phase of drowsiness, delirium and bleeding. 

Can Ebola be cured? 

Is there a treatment? What is the treatment protocol? 

Treatment is not limited to vaccination. Specific treatments (monoclonal antibodies) are now available for certain strains, including the Zaire ebolavirus. 

The treatment protocol involves intensive care: 

• Major rehydration (oral or intravenous) 
• Correction of electrolyte disturbances 
• Treatment of symptoms (fever, pain, associated infections) 
• Intensive care: oxygen support, IV therapy, sometimes respiratory assistance 
• Strict isolation and infection control measures 

Is there a vaccine for the Ebola virus?

Major progress has been made in terms of treatment and vaccines in recent years. Today, two vaccines constitute a key tool for responding to outbreaks involving the Zaire strain. 

Unlike the Zaire variety, the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccines or specific treatments. However, early intensive supportive care can significantly improve survival rates and save many patients.

The Ebola virus remains a serious health threat to populations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Epidemiological monitoring, community mobilisation to talk about the disease and make sure prevention measures are accepted, early detection of suspected cases and contact tracing, the implementation of Ebola treatment centres, prevention and monitoring of infections within health care structures thanks to protection equipment, triage and isolation of patients with symptoms, provision of water and hygiene products, social distancing, psychological support and, where possible, vaccination of at-risk populations are the main tools in the struggle against this disease. 

Humanitarian organisations present on the ground can play a decisive role in this response, by bolstering local health systems’ capacity and providing direct assistance to affected patients and communities. 

Is it the most fatal virus in the world? 

Ebola is one of the most fatal known viruses but not the most of all. Its mortality rate is around 50% and varies considerably according to strain and treatment conditions. One epidemic in northern Uganda was particularly fatal, with a mortality rate of 90%. 

Can you be cured of Ebola?

The fatality rate is high, but patients can recover, especially when care is adapted and administered quickly. Today, medical progress has considerably improved survival chances. Access to quality care (rehydration, treatment of symptoms and, in certain cases, specific medicines) plays a decisive role. The earlier the patient is treated, the more likely they are to recover. 

Past major epidemics: which countries are affected by Ebola?

Ebola in Africa: why is Ebola a problem in Africa? 

Various factors explain the concentration of Ebola epidemics in Sub-Saharan Africa. The presence of animal breeding grounds in the tropical forests of Central and West Africa fosters contact between the virus and human populations, especially in communities that practise subsistence hunting. 

The major epidemic of 2014–2016 that struck West Africa, mainly Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, was the most lethal ever. With more than 28,000 cases and over 11,000 deaths, it highlighted the vulnerability of these countries’ health systems when faced with a major outbreak and emphasised the urgent need to strengthen local health care capacities. 

Sierra Leone was particularly impacted by this epidemic, with the highest number of confirmed cases. The country was just coming out of a long period of conflict, so it lacked functional health care infrastructures, which made the response to the epidemic extremely complex. Emergency treatment centres had to be built in a few weeks, with the support of the international community. 

Which is the country most affected by the Ebola virus? 

Health situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the country most affected by the Ebola virus in history. Since 1976, it has seen 17 outbreaks, some of which have been among the most lethal ever recorded. Its geographical location, in the heart of Africa’s Equatorial forests and in contact with dense populations of wildlife, makes it particularly exposed, especially as human activity is bringing about significant deforestation and increasing the risk of contact between humans and infected animals. 

The disease outbreak of 2018–2020, which took place in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, was the second biggest Ebola epidemic ever recorded, with more than 3,400 cases and over 2,200 deaths. It starkly illustrated the challenges posed by a health crisis taking place in a conflict zone and required considerable deployment of resources from the Congolese authorities, the WHO and humanitarian organisations present on the ground. 

On 5 May 2026, the World Health Organisation (WHO) was alerted of a highly fatal epidemic of an unknown disease in the Mongbwalu health area in the Ituri province, with health care workers among those dead. On 15 May 2026, the DRC’s Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Affairs officially declared the 17th Ebola virus disease epidemic in the country. 

On 17 May, the Ebola epidemic was declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

In 2026, how many deaths has Ebola caused in the Democratic Republic of the Congo? 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 4 September 2026, more than 6,300 confirmed Ebola cases had been reported. These cases resulted in over 3,000 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 48%. Six provinces in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have been affected, with Ituri remaining the epicentre of the outbreak.

The World Health Organization has described this outbreak as the deadliest in the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Where have other Ebola cases been reported in Africa?

In 2026, the Ebola outbreak also affected Uganda, where 20 cases and 2 deaths were reported. The outbreak is now subsiding, and no new cases have been reported since the end of July 2026.

Other countries bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo, such as Rwanda and South Sudan, are also considered at risk due to significant cross-border population movements between these countries and eastern DRC, particularly for economic and trade-related reasons. These movements increase the potential risk of Ebola transmission across borders and require strengthened surveillance and preparedness measures.

What is Action contre la Faim doing to respond to this major health crisis?

Action contre la Faim mobilized from the very beginning of the outbreak to support health authorities in combating the epidemic in the Mongbwalu Health Zone, one of the first areas to be affected.

The organization prioritized the protection of healthcare workers, who are particularly exposed to the risk of infection. To help prevent transmission, Action contre la Faim provided personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, and safe drinking water, strengthening hygiene and infection prevention measures in healthcare facilities.

Action contre la Faim also trained healthcare workers on Ebola prevention, detection, and case management, while implementing community awareness activities to inform people about the disease, available treatment, and ways to protect themselves and their families.

In addition, our efforts focused on ensuring the continuity of essential health and nutrition services in healthcare facilities, helping to prevent excess mortality linked to other illnesses and malnutrition during the outbreak.

Why does Ebola not spread in Europe? Are there Ebola cases in France?

The spread of Ebola in Europe remains extremely limited for several reasons. 

First of all, humanitarian staff are repatriated for medical reasons under strengthened health and security measures. 

NGOs whose staff work in active Ebola areas train their employees on ways the disease can be transmitted and how to protect against it, as well as implementing health monitoring protocols before their return to prevent them from importing the virus into their home country. 

In France, the health authorities are informed of these returns. When Ebola cases are detected, the French and European health systems have effective channels to deal with this kind of risk: increased monitoring, strict protocols, specialist hospital structures and contact tracing. Thanks to these measures , imported cases are contained very quickly. 

In France, Ebola cases are extremely rare and remain isolated.  On 24 June 2026, the first case in France was declared and immediately treated. However, there is no epidemic in France. The risk to the population is currently considered very low, thanks to well-defined prevention and response mechanisms.