Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a rare and deadly disease most commonly affecting people and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees).

Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have occurred sporadically in Africa. The natural reservoir host of Ebola viruses remains unknown. However, based on the nature of similar viruses, experts think the virus is animal-borne, with bats being the most likely reservoir.

There is no approved vaccine or treatment for EVD. Research on EVD focuses on finding the virus' natural host, developing vaccines to protect at-risk populations, and discovering therapies to improve treatment of the disease. Learn more about EVD by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.


  1. Outbreaks
  2. Symptoms
  3. Transmission
  4. Traveling

Cases & Outbreaks of EVD

Ebola viruses are found in several countries. Past EVD outbreaks have occurred in the following countries:

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
  • Gabon
  • Guinea
  • Ivory Coast
  • Liberia
  • Republic of the Congo (ROC)
  • Sierra Leone
  • Sudan
  • Uganda

For more information about EVD cases and outbreaks visit the CDC website.

For Health Care Providers

  1. Evaluating Patients
  2. Resources

Evaluating Travelers / Patients for Ebola Virus Disease

Early recognition of EVD is critical for infection control. Healthcare providers should be aware of current EVD outbreaks and evaluate patients for travel and risk of exposure. A person who has both consistent signs or symptoms and risk factors as follows should be considered a Person Under Investigation (PUI):

  1. Elevated body temperature or subjective fever or symptoms, including severe headache, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained hemorrhage
  2. An epidemiologic risk factor within the 21 days before the onset of symptoms

Clinicians can refer to CDC's FAQs on Screening for Ebola Virus Disease for Providers, Healthcare Facilities and Health Departments. If a diagnosis of EVD is being considered, the patient should be isolated in a single room (with a private bathroom), and healthcare personnel should follow standard, contact, and droplet precautions, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Infection control personnel should be contacted immediately.

If EVD is suspected, contact the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline 877-427-7317 immediately for consultation, indication for and coordination of testing, and the need for initiating identification of contacts.

Additional Information & Contact Information

For more information about Ebola visit the CDC website.

Submit your questions regarding Ebola response in Kansas, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), or other concerns about Ebola to the Infection Disease and Epidemiology Response email. To report a person under investigation of EVD contact the 24/7 KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317.