The Ebola virus is a highly infectious virus that causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and other primates. It was first identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, including blood, saliva, and sweat.
Symptoms of Ebola typically appear 2 to 21 days after exposure and can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal bleeding. The disease has a high mortality rate, often exceeding 50%, making it a significant public health concern during outbreaks, particularly in West Africa.