The Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976, and is found in humans and primates such as monkeys and gorillas.

Ebola (formally known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever) is caused by the Ebola virus. The virus is named after a river in the Congo where the virus was first discovered. Ebola is severe and often fatal, but it has only been seen sporadically over the past thirty years.

Where Ebola Is Found

Although the exact origins of the Ebola virus are unknown, it is believed the virus is animal borne and is hosted by an animal native to Africa. There have been no signs of the virus in North America.

All confirmed cases of Ebola have been in Africa: Congo, Gabon, Sudan, Ivory Coast, and Uganda. The only known case off the African continent was a lab worker in England who became ill from an accidental needle stick.

How the Virus Is Spread

Because the origin of the virus remains unknown, how the virus first appears in a human at the start of an outbreak remains unknown. There is speculation that the virus is spread through human contact with an infected animal, however.

After the person is infected with the virus, it can be transmitted in a number of ways. Exposure to the virus can come from contact with blood or bodily secretions from an infected person. It can also be spread through objects that have been contaminated with the infected person’s blood or fluids. Family members, friends, and caregivers are most at risk for contracting the virus because of the likelihood of touching blood or secretions in the act of caring for the infected person.

Symptoms

Incubation of the Ebola virus is anywhere between two days and three weeks. The illness from the virus comes on suddenly. Those infected with the virus will experience fever, headaches, muscles and joint pain, sore throat, and general weakness. As the virus progresses, the infected person will have diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. In some cases, the infected person will have a rash, red eyes, internal or external bleeding, and the hiccups.

There is no standard treatment. The patient receives fluids and electrolytes, oxygen and blood pressure are maintained, and complications from the virus are treated.