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Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola is also known as Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) or Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (EHF). There are six Ebola subspecies, four of which are known to cause the disease. Ebola viral disease is a severe, often fatal disease that affects humans and some animals (like monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees).

What's New?

As of January 11, 2023, the Ebola outbreak in Uganda ended. For information on past outbreaks, visit the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).

Healthcare providers should visit our For Healthcare Providers page for our consultation form and resources.

CDC Quicklinks

Brief History of EVD

Ebola virus was first described in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, the virus has emerged periodically and infected people in several African countries. For more on the history of outbreaks, visit CDC's Outbreak History.

Information for Healthcare Providers

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a rare and deadly disease in people and nonhuman primates. The viruses that cause EVD are located mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. People can get EVD through direct contact with an infected animal (bat or nonhuman primate) or a sick or dead person infected with the Ebola virus.

Identify, Isolate, Inform

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) must be reported IMMEDIATELY to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).

Identify - Look for epidemiologic risk factors in all travelers returning from areas with an active Ebola virus outbreak with signs and symptoms of EVD.
Isolate - Begin immediate infection control measures for acutely ill patients with a concerning travel history.
Inform - Notify your facility’s infection control program and other appropriate staff. Complete the ADPH Serious Infectious Disease (SID) Consultation Form and call the Infectious Diseases & Outbreaks Division immediately at 1-800-338-8374.