Introduction to Ebola virus disease (EVD)

Earlier known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, Ebola virus disease is a severe illness that is mostly fatal, with case fatality rates going up to 90%. Currently one of the world’s most dangerous diseases, the infection spreads through contact with blood or other body fluids or via tissues of infected people or animals. Patients who are severely affected by Ebola disease need intensive supportive care. In the face of an Ebola outbreak, those in direct contact with departed patients or unwell people—such as family members, doctors, nurses and other health workers—are at the highest risk of contracting the infection.