1.3 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

1.3.1 Background on Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHF)

Figure 6 : Ecologie du virus Ebola

Figure 6: Ebola virus ecology

  • The Ebola Virus Disease is a very severe disease, often fatal in humans (50-90% mortality rate)

  • Outbreaks take place in isolated villages at the edge of forests

  • Fruit bats may be the natural host of the Ebola virus

  • There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment against it; patients receive a symptomatic treatment

  • The incubation period may last up to 21 days