Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe and often deadly illness that can occur in humans and primates (e.g. monkeys, gorillas). Ebola hemorrhagic fever has made worldwide news because of its destructive potential. Causes Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Ebola fever) is caused by a virus belonging to the family called Filoviridae. Scientists have identified five types of Ebola virus. Four have been reported to cause disease in humans: Ebola-Zaire virus, Ebola-Sudan virus, Ebola-Ivory Coast virus, and Ebola-Bundibugyo. The human disease has so far been limited to parts of Africa. The Reston type of Ebola virus has recently been found in the Philippines. The disease can be passed to humans from infected animals and animal materials. Ebola can also be spread between humans by close contact with infected body fluids or through infected needles in the hospital. Symptoms During the incubation period, which can last about 1 week (rarely up to 2 weeks) after infection, symptoms include: