Ebola virus
Key facts
- Ebola virus disease is a rare illness which can cause death.
- Early symptoms of Ebola virus disease include sudden fever, headache and muscle pain.
- Ebola virus disease can lead to severe bleeding and multi-organ failure.
- The Ebola virus isn't found in Australia.
- The Ebola virus is transmitted (spread) through contact with bodily fluids.
What is Ebola virus disease?
Ebola virus disease is a rare illness that often causes death. It's caused by a virus called orthoebolavirus. There are several strains of orthoebolavirus.
Ebola virus disease used to be called Ebola haemorrhagic fever, as in some cases it causes internal bleeding.
You can catch Ebola virus disease if you have direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person or animal.
So far, all outbreaks of Ebola virus disease have happened in Central, East and West Africa.
What are the symptoms of Ebola virus disease?
The first signs and symptoms of Ebola virus disease are:
- a sudden fever
- a bad headache
- muscle pains
- weakness
This is followed by:
People are infectious when they get these symptoms. These symptoms start between 2 and 21 days after infection with the virus. The symptoms usually begin suddenly.
If the illness progresses, some people may suffer bleeding in their internal organs, gums and stool (poo). This progresses to blood loss and multi-organ failure.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes Ebola virus disease?
Fruit bats are thought to be the natural hosts of the Ebola virus. There are also occasional outbreaks among other animal species such as:
- monkeys
- chimpanzees
- gorillas
- forest antelope
There is no evidence that Ebola virus lives in bats or any other wild animals in Australia.
How is Ebola virus spread?
Ebola virus is spread through direct contact with body fluids from an infected person or animal (alive or dead). Ebola virus disease can also be spread through touching things contaminated with infected body fluids.
Body fluids include:
- blood
- sweat
- saliva
- urine (wee)
- faeces (poo)
- vomit
- breast milk
- semen
- tears
Ebola can also be transmitted by air droplets and unprotected sexual contact with someone after they have recovered from Ebola virus disease, but this is rare.
Who is at risk of getting Ebola virus disease?
If you care for someone with Ebola virus disease, you are at risk of infection.
Healthcare workers are also at risk, particularly in countries where there is poor infection control.
If you travel to a country that has Ebola virus, the risk of getting the disease is low, unless you are exposed to body fluid from an infected person or animal.
When should I see my doctor?
See a doctor or go to a hospital emergency department if you have returned in the last 21 days from an area where Ebola virus disease is present, and develop:
- fever
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
Tell the doctor about your symptoms and travel history.
While you may not have Ebola virus disease, you may have been exposed to other serious illnesses. Do not delay seeing a doctor.
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How is Ebola virus disease diagnosed?
Ebola virus disease is usually diagnosed with a blood test.
Other tests may also be done to look for the Ebola virus disease, including:
- a urine test
- throat or nose swabs
How is Ebola virus disease treated?
Get help as soon as you develop symptoms. Ebola virus disease can be treated in the early stage of the disease with antiviral medicines.
You will also need intensive medical care, including intravenous fluids (given through a drip into your vein) and blood transfusions.
Where possible, people with Ebola virus disease are treated in hospital. They will be quarantined and isolated from other patients. Staff and visitors will need to take precautions.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
What are the complications of Ebola virus disease?
Complications of Ebola virus disease are:
- hypotension (low blood pressure)
- spontaneous bleeding
- oedema (water retention)
- shock
- neurological (brain and nerve) involvement
- multi-organ failure (including liver and kidney failure)
In some countries, around half of the people who get Ebola virus disease die. The public health risk in Australia is much lower.
Should a case occur in Australia, it's likely that the chances of surviving the infection would be higher because of the quality of health services.
Can Ebola virus disease be prevented?
Good hygiene and infection control are the best ways to prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease.
There are several Ebola virus vaccines which work against some strains of the virus. These are only available for restricted use, such as for healthcare workers in specialised Ebola treatment hospitals.
Resources and support
If you are travelling to Africa, you should check the Smart Traveller website for current outbreaks of Ebola virus disease.
You can find out more about Ebola virus disease by calling the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Other languages
The World Health Organization has information, in several languages, for travellers visiting high risk areas for Ebola virus infection.
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Last reviewed: February 2025
