Ebola (Ebola Disease)

Ebola disease is a rare and often deadly illness. It is caused by a group of viruses, known as orthoebolaviruses. Ebola disease most commonly affects people and nonhuman primates, such as monkeys, chimpanzees, and gorillas.  

The viruses that can cause Ebola spread from person to person through direct contact with blood or body fluids (urine, feces, saliva, sweat, vomit, breast milk, and semen) of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola disease. This can happen when a person touches the infected body fluids or objects that have come into contact with those body fluids, such as medical equipment, needles, and syringes. The virus enters the body through broken skin or through the eyes, nose, or mouth. 

On September 4, 2025, the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced that there was an Ebola outbreak caused by Ebola virus (species Orthoebolavirus zairense). The outbreak was declared over on December 1, 2025. Public health officials continue to monitor for Ebola outbreaks. Please visit CDC's Ebola Outbreak History website for a list of any current or past outbreaks.

A list of Ebola resources for the public and for healthcare providers can be found below.