Ebola | Disease of the Week | CDC

Ebola | Disease of the Week | CDC





Ebola is a rare and deadly disease that was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have occurred sporadically in several African countries. Scientists believe that Ebola outbreaks start when a person is infected through contact with an infected animal, such as a fruit bat or primate (monkeys and apes). The disease can then spread from person to person through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Healthcare workers and family and friends in close contact with Ebola patients are at the highest risk of getting Ebola because they may come in contact with infected body fluids.

DOTW: Ebola