An Introduction to the Ebola Virus
Ebola virus is a type of RNA virus that causes the disease known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever (also known as Ebola).
Where Did Ebola Virus Get Its Name?
Ebola virus got its name from a river in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), in Africa, where it was first recognized.
Ebola virus is one of two members of a family of RNA viruses called the Filoviridae. There are four identified subtypes of Ebola virus. Three of the four have caused disease in humans:
- Ebola-Zaire
- Ebola-Sudan
- Ebola-Ivory Coast.
The fourth Ebola virus subtype, Ebola-Reston, has caused disease in nonhuman primates, but not in humans.
Where Does Ebola Virus Live?
The exact origin, locations, and natural habitat (known as the natural reservoir) of Ebola virus remain unknown; however, on the basis of available evidence, and the nature of similar viruses, researchers believe that the virus is zoonotic (animal-borne) and is normally maintained in an animal host that is native to the African continent.
Ebola research scientists continue to search for the exact animal host.
A similar host is probably associated with Ebola-Reston, which was isolated from infected cynomolgus monkeys that were imported to the United States and Italy from the Philippines. The Ebola virus is not known to be native to other continents, such as North America.
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