Key facts Ebola is a rare but severe and often fatal illness in humans It is transmitted through contact with infected animals or the body fluids of an infected person The average Ebola case fatality rate is around 50 per cent, though this rate varies Early supportive care with rehydration and symptom treatment improves survival. There are now vaccines and treatments for some types of Ebola Overview Ebola virus disease (EVD), previously known as Ebola haemorrhagenic fever, is a rare and serious illness in humans that is often fatal. The disease occurs in western and central Africa and is transmitted to humans via wild animals such as fruit bats and monkeys. It can also be spread between humans through direct contact with blood, secretions and organs. Ebola virus disease is caused by viruses in the Orthoebolavirus family and there are various types that cause the disease – the most common is the Zaire virus.…