Ebola operational and technical sheets

In 1976 several people died in South-Sudan and in a bordering region in North Zaire (currently referred to as the Democratic Republic of the Congo) near the river Ebola.

The virus identified was given the name Ebola due to its proximity to the river.

• Ebola hemorrhagic fever is an infectious disease, often fatal. The case fatality rate recorded during outbreaks can reach 90%. On average, the case fatality rate is of 50% (WHO).
• Outbreaks were initially mainly located in remote villages in central Africa, near tropical
  rainforests. The 2014 outbreak was the first occurring in West Africa and the largest one.
• The virus is transmitted to humans from wild animals and then spreads in populations through
  human to human transmission.
• It is believed that fruit bats of the Pteropus species are natural hosts of Ebola virus, but antelopes,
  rats are also likely vector.
• There is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment, whether for humans or animals. Trials are
  currently ongoing in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia in order to test and approve vaccines and
  treatments developed through the year of 2014.