Ebola Outbreak in West Africa: Questions and Answers

The outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone is the worst ever, killing more than 700 people this year. Below are frequently asked questions about the disease.

Q: How does an Ebola outbreak start and spread? A: The origin of the virus is unknown, but fruit bats are considered the most likely host, according to the World Health Organization. Ebola jumps to humans from infected animals including chimpanzees, gorillas and bats that live in the rainforest through contact with blood or other bodily fluids such as urine and saliva. Infection can also occur if broken skin or mucous membranes of a healthy person come into contact with environments that have become contaminated with an Ebola patient’s infectious fluids such as soiled clothing, bed linen, or used needles.