Ebola virus disease: understanding, prevention and protection while travelling

What is Ebola virus disease?

Ebola virus disease, also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe viral infection belonging to the Filoviridae family. Discovered in 1976 during two simultaneous outbreaks in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the virus is named after the Ebola River located in that region.

Symptoms and progression of the Ebola virus

A silent incubation period

After infection with the Ebola virus, the incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days, most commonly between 5 and 12 days. During this critical phase, the infected person is not contagious, which makes early detection of the disease particularly challenging.

The initial symptoms of Ebola virus disease

Possible progression to the acute phase

As the infection progresses, the patient's condition deteriorates and additional symptoms may appear:

• Severe digestive disorders including vomiting and sometimes bloody diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration
• Skin manifestations with characteristic rashes
• Organ damage such as progressive kidney and liver dysfunction
• Hemorrhages, meaning internal and external bleeding occurring in about 30 to 50% of cases (note that this dramatic symptom does not affect all patients)

After the acute phase, a long chronic phase may also occur and require regular monitoring.

Modes of transmission of the Ebola virus

Natural reservoir: bats

Human-to-human transmission through direct contact

Risk evolution according to the phases of the disease

The risk of transmission is zero during the incubation period and then gradually increases with the onset and worsening of symptoms. The more severe the symptoms, the higher the viral load and the more contagious the patient becomes.

Who is at high risk of Ebola virus infection?

• healthcare workers
• family members of infected patients
• participants in traditional funeral rites (body washing)
• humanitarian organization staff working in outbreak zones

How is Ebola virus disease diagnosed?

• RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction): used to quickly detect the virus’s genetic material in the blood
• ELISA immunoenzymatic test: this antibody-capture technique detects specific antibodies produced in response to the infection
• Antigen-capture detection tests: these tests directly identify viral antigens present in the patient’s blood

What treatments are available for the Ebola virus?

Focus on major therapeutic developments

Two monoclonal antibody treatments are currently available to help manage Ebola virus patients and increase their chances of survival when administered early. These therapies, developed and tested during recent outbreaks, represent a significant advancement in the fight against a disease that previously had no specific treatment.

Supportive care: essential for survival

• Treatment for the Ebola virus remains primarily symptomatic and includes: intensive rehydration via intravenous infusions to compensate for losses due to vomiting and diarrhea;
• maintaining electrolyte balance;
• respiratory support with oxygen therapy if needed;
• blood transfusions in cases of severe hemorrhage;
• pain relief to ease fever and other symptoms

As you can imagine, early intervention greatly influences the prognosis. For example, during the 2014–2016 outbreak, of 27 confirmed cases treated in the United States and Europe with early and intensive supportive care, 82% survived.

The importance of appropriate travel insurance

Anticipate health risks during your travels

• emergency medical and hospital expenses (consultations, care and hospital stays in the destination country)
• the possibility of medical repatriation (arranging your return if your health condition requires it)
• medical assistance (a helpline available to guide you in case of health issues)
• expense management (procedures for direct payment or reimbursement of medical costs)

Europ Assistance is here for you!

Europ Assistance offers travel insurance tailored to various types of trips and destinations. To learn about specific coverage and check whether your destination is included—especially in the event of a serious infectious disease—we recommend carefully reviewing the general terms of your policy.

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FAQ – Everything you need to know about Ebola virus disease

What are the different strains of the Ebola virus?

There are currently six identified species of Orthoebolavirus: Ebola virus (Zaire ebolavirus, the deadliest), Sudan virus (Sudan ebolavirus), Bundibugyo virus (Bundibugyo ebolavirus), Taï Forest virus (Taï Forest ebolavirus), and Reston virus (Reston ebolavirus). The Zaire strain remains the most dangerous, with an average fatality rate of over 65%.

What is the history of major Ebola outbreaks?

Since its discovery in 1976, nearly 2,500 cases were recorded up to 2013, with over 1,500 deaths. The major West Africa outbreak (2014–2016) remains the largest in history. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the 2018–2020 outbreak in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces caused a number of deaths, as did the 2025 outbreak in the Kasaï province.

Which geographical areas are at risk for Ebola?

Ebola virus disease is mainly present in Central and West Africa. Countries with recurring outbreaks include the Democratic Republic of the Congo (ongoing outbreak in 2025), Uganda (last outbreak in 2022–2023), Guinea (2021), as well as Sierra Leone and Liberia (2014–2016).

What is the fatality rate of Ebola?

The fatality rate ranges from 30% to 90% depending on the outbreak and the viral species. This wide variation is due to the viral strain involved (Zaire being the deadliest), the speed of medical intervention, access to intensive supportive care, and the patient’s initial health condition. During the 2014–2016 outbreak, most cases treated in the US and Europe received early and intensive supportive care: of 27 confirmed and treated cases, 82% survived, demonstrating the critical importance of rapid and appropriate medical care.

How many people have died from Ebola in total?

Since the virus was discovered in 1976, it is estimated that over 15,000 people have died from Ebola virus disease.

Is there a vaccine against Ebola?

Two vaccines are approved: Ervebo by Merck & Co., and Zabdeno by Janssen Pharmaceutica.

Can you catch Ebola on a plane with an infected person?

The risk of transmission on a plane is extremely low. Ebola is not airborne like the flu. Infection requires direct contact with the bodily fluids of a sick person.

Is the Ebola vaccine mandatory for travel to Africa?

No, no country currently requires vaccination against Ebola for entry. The Ervebo vaccine is mainly used in outbreak settings to protect at-risk populations and healthcare workers. For travelers, behavioral precautions (avoiding bushmeat, following hygiene rules) are the best protection.

What should you do if you develop symptoms after travelling?

If you develop a fever (≥38°C) or other symptoms within 21 days of returning from a high-risk area: isolate yourself immediately from others and call the emergency number 144 in Switzerland. Inform medical teams of your symptoms and recent travel to ensure the best possible care.

Does my travel insurance cover medical expenses in case of Ebola?

Before travelling to a health risk area, carefully check your insurance policy. It is important that it covers serious infectious diseases, including emergency hospitalization and medical repatriation if needed. Europ Assistance is here to protect you, so you can travel the world with peace of mind!

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How can you tell Ebola apart from other tropical diseases?

The initial symptoms of Ebola (fever, fatigue, muscle pain) resemble those of malaria, typhoid fever, or dengue. Only specific laboratory tests (especially RT-PCR) can confirm the diagnosis. If you develop a fever after travelling to a risk area, be sure to inform healthcare professionals to guide the diagnosis and receive the best care.

Is it safe to travel to Africa despite Ebola?

Yes, the vast majority of the African continent is not affected by Ebola. The virus circulates only in certain limited geographic areas, mainly in Central Africa and occasionally in West Africa. Moreover, travelers engaging in standard tourism activities face a low risk of infection. Just take the necessary precautions, and you can travel with peace of mind.

Have Ebola cases ever been treated in Switzerland?

Yes, two people infected in Africa were successfully treated in Switzerland in 1995 and 2014, demonstrating the effectiveness of appropriate medical care in a modern hospital environment with specialized isolation units.

What preventive measures should be taken when travelling to a high-risk area?