Ebola Incubation Period

The Ebola incubation period is the period of time between infection with the Ebola virus and the appearance of symptoms associated with the disease. The Ebola incubation period can be as short as 2 days or as long as 21 days.

 

Ebola Incubation Period: An Overview

When a person becomes infected with the Ebola virus, the virus enters the body and begins to multiply. The virus can travel in the blood to almost any part of the body, including the:
 
  • Liver
  • Spleen
  • Pancreas
  • Thyroid gland
  • Lungs
  • Kidneys
  • Skin
  • Brain.
     
After four to six days on average, symptoms of Ebola can begin. The period between the transmission of the virus and the start of Ebola symptoms is called the Ebola incubation period. The Ebola incubation period can be as short as 2 days or as long as 21 days.
 

Is a Person Contagious During the Ebola Incubation Period?

Even if a person exhibits no signs or symptoms of Ebola, he or she can still spread the virus during the Ebola incubation period. Once Ebola virus symptoms begin, the person can remain contagious for about three more weeks.
 
Click Transmission of Ebola to learn about how the Ebola virus is spread.
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD