Ebola Virus Disease

Updated Oct. 28, 2022

What is Ebola? Risk, Transmission, & Symptoms

• Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever (HF), is a severe, often fatal illness in humans

• The virus requires transmission through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, and exposure to objects (such as needles) that have been contaminated with infected body fluids

• The viruses that cause Ebola are often spread through families and friends because they come in close contact with infectious body fluids when caring for ill persons

• Exposure to Ebola can occur in health care settings where staff are not wearing appropriate protective equipment, such as masks, gowns, and gloves or using appropriate infection control measures.

• Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to Ebola virus though 8-10 days is most common

• Signs and symptoms may include: fever, rash, joint and muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, lack of appetite, rash, sore throat, cough, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing and bleeding inside and outside of the body

Links to More Information

Arizona Department of Health Services Ebola Webpage
Centers for Disease Control Ebola Webpage
World Health Organization (WHO) Ebola Webpage