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What is Ebola Virus Disease?
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe and often fatal viral illness caused by viruses of the genus Ebolavirus, affecting humans and non-human primates. First identified in 1976 in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Sudan, multiple outbreaks have since occurred across Central and West Africa. The largest, between 2014 and 2016 in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, resulted in more than 28,000 cases and over 11,000 deaths.¹ “Ebola” refers to a group of related viruses. Species capable of causing human disease include Zaire, Sudan, and Bundibugyo ebolaviruses. Although clinical manifestations are similar, case fatality rates and the availability of vaccines and treatments differ by species. Zaire ebolavirus has historically been associated with the highest mortality; laboratory testing is required to confirm the causative species.¹
Current Global Situation
As of May 2026, an outbreak of Ebola caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus is occurring in the DRC and Uganda, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO. Response activities include surveillance, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, cross-border preparedness, and community engagement.²
Australia’s Position
The risk of Ebola occurring in Australia is currently low; however, imported cases remain possible. Australia maintains surveillance, laboratory capability, border health measures, and public health response systems to rapidly identify and manage suspected cases.³˒⁴ Healthcare professionals should consider EVD in any person presenting with compatible symptoms and recent travel history to an affected region, and promptly notify public health authorities.
Transmission
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids (urine, faeces, vomit, saliva, sweat, breast milk, semen) of an infected person, and through contact with contaminated equipment, clothing, bedding, or environmental surfaces. Infection may also occur via contact with infected animals, particularly fruit bats and non-human primates.¹ Ebola is not transmitted through the airborne route. Individuals are not infectious until symptoms develop. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days, with symptoms most commonly appearing 8–10 days after exposure.¹
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms typically begin suddenly and may include fever, severe headache, fatigue, muscle aches, weakness, and sore throat. As disease progresses, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and rash may develop. Severe illness can result in liver and kidney dysfunction, bleeding, shock, multi-organ failure, and death. While haemorrhagic manifestations are commonly associated with EVD, bleeding does not occur in all cases and is generally associated with more severe disease.¹
Diagnosis
Ebola can only be confirmed through specialised laboratory testing. A detailed travel history and assessment of potential exposures are critical. Any person with compatible symptoms and recent travel to an affected area should be assessed urgently in consultation with public health authorities.¹˒³˒⁴
Prevention
Prevention relies on avoiding direct contact with infected blood and body fluids, and rapidly identifying suspected cases. In healthcare settings, suspected or confirmed cases should be isolated immediately using strict infection prevention and control measures, including contact and droplet precautions. Strict procedures apply to clinical waste, linen, laboratory specimens, reusable equipment, and deceased persons. Environmental cleaning and disinfection with TGA-approved, hospital-grade disinfectants effective against enveloped viruses are essential.¹˒³˒⁴ Vaccination has been used successfully in outbreaks caused by Zaire ebolavirus; however, no licensed vaccine is currently approved specifically for Bundibugyo ebolavirus, the species responsible for the current outbreak.¹˒²
Treatment
Early medical care significantly improves survival. Treatment is primarily supportive: intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement, oxygen therapy, haemodynamic support, nutritional support, and management of complications including bleeding, organ dysfunction, and secondary infections. Patients require specialist care in facilities equipped to safely manage high-consequence infectious diseases.¹˒⁴˒⁵ Monoclonal antibody therapies have demonstrated benefit for Zaire ebolavirus disease; however, no approved species-specific monoclonal antibody therapies currently exist for Bundibugyo ebolavirus. Management of the current outbreak therefore remains focused on supportive care and early recognition of complications.¹˒²˒⁵
References
- World Health Organization. Ebola virus disease [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2025 [cited 2026 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ebola-virus-disease
- World Health Organization. Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, DRC & Uganda [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2026 [cited 2026 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON606
- Australian Centre for Disease Control. Ebola virus disease information and public health guidance [Internet]. Canberra: Australian Government; 2026 [cited 2026 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/ebola-disease
- Public Health Laboratory Network. Viral haemorrhagic fever – laboratory case definition [Internet]. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care [cited 2026 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov.au/resources/publications/viral-haemorrhagic-fever-laboratory-case-definition
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical guidance for Ebola disease [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): CDC; 2026 [cited 2026 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/hcp/clinical-guidance/index.html