Read condition-specific symptoms and clinical context for Ebola viruses. A rare but severe illness caused by several related viruses.
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.
CDC states symptoms may appear 2 to 21 days after contact with the virus, on average 8 to 10 days. Early symptoms are generic and are known as 'dry' symptoms, and can be confused with malaria, influenza, typhoid fever or bacterial infections.
Possible symptoms: Fever; Aches and pains in the muscles and joints; Severe headache; Weakness and fatigue; Sore throat; Loss of appetite.
CDC notes these early symptoms are nonspecific and are easily confused with more common infections, so exposure history matters. WHO states early intensive supportive care improves survival.
CDC states that after four to five days of illness patients can progress to 'wet' symptoms as they become sicker. People who die usually develop more severe symptoms early in the illness.
Possible symptoms: Unexplained bleeding; Nausea; Abdominal pain; Diarrhoea; Vomiting.
CDC lists other possible symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, red eyes, skin rash, hiccups and seizures, and describes long-term complications in survivors such as tiredness, headaches, joint pain and eye problems.
Source check: 2026-09-19. Educational content; independent scientific review remains pending.