A rare but severe illness caused by several related viruses. Explore its illustrative 3D model, human context, and sources.
WHO describes Ebola disease as a rare but severe and often fatal illness caused by viruses of the Orthoebolavirus genus. Six species have been identified, of which three — Ebola virus, Sudan virus and Bundibugyo virus — cause large outbreaks. CDC states these viruses are found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. This profile covers the group rather than a single virus.
WHO states the average Ebola disease case fatality rate is around 50%, with rates from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks, and that early intensive supportive care with rehydration and treatment of symptoms improves survival. Licensed vaccines and treatments exist for Ebola virus disease but not for the other Ebola diseases. Fatality rates describe outbreaks, not one person's outcome.
Ebola viruses · Ebola-virus filament representative. Ebola virus represents the broader orthoebolavirus group. The curved filament is one of several observed forms. The colours, proportions, protein shapes and visible counts are illustrative, not measured or an atomic reconstruction. Independent scientific review remains pending.
Source check: 2026-09-19. Educational content; independent scientific review remains pending.