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Ebola is a serious infectious disease that can cause severe illness and death. It is caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses. Although many people use the word Ebola to describe all infections in this group, there are different types, and they do not all behave in exactly the same way.
Some of the best-known types include Ebola virus, Sudan virus and Bundibugyo virus. These viruses have caused major outbreaks in Africa.
Understanding the different types of Ebola virus is important because each type may require a different public health response. Vaccines and treatments that work against one type may not work against another.
This guide explains the main types of Ebola virus, how they differ, their symptoms, how they spread and the steps people can take to reduce their risk.
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Quick Answer: What Are the Different Types of Ebola Virus?
There are six recognised species of orthoebolavirus:
- Ebola virus: Also historically called Zaire ebolavirus. It causes Ebola virus disease and has been responsible for major outbreaks.
- Sudan virus: Causes Sudan virus disease and has caused several outbreaks in Africa.
- Bundibugyo virus: Causes Bundibugyo virus disease and was first identified in Uganda in 2007.
- Taï Forest virus: A rare type associated with a documented human infection in Côte d’Ivoire.
- Reston virus: Has infected animals and humans, but has not been shown to cause clinical illness in humans.
- Bombali virus: First identified in bats. Its ability to cause human disease has not been established.
Ebola, Sudan and Bundibugyo viruses are particularly important because they have caused major human outbreaks. WHO CDC
What Is Ebola Virus Disease?
Ebola virus disease is a severe illness caused by infection with certain viruses in the orthoebolavirus group. These viruses belong to the Filoviridae family.
The disease was first recognised in 1976 during two separate outbreaks. One occurred in what is now South Sudan, while the other occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), near the Ebola River. The river gave the disease its name.
Ebola outbreaks have mainly affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease can spread through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids or contaminated materials.
Ebola is not spread like the common cold or flu. A person does not become infected simply by walking past someone who has Ebola or sharing the same public space.
However, close contact with an infected person’s body fluids can create a serious risk.
The Different Types of Ebola Virus Explained
Although these viruses belong to the same group, they are genetically different. This matters because vaccines, medicines and outbreak-control measures may not work equally well against every type.
1. Ebola Virus (Zaire Virus)
Ebola virus, historically known as Zaire ebolavirus, is one of the most recognised types. It causes Ebola virus disease (EVD) and has been responsible for some of the largest and most serious Ebola outbreaks.
Important facts about Ebola virus:
- It can cause severe and potentially fatal illness.
- It spreads through direct contact with infected blood and body fluids.
- It has caused major outbreaks in several African countries.
- A vaccine called ERVEBO is approved for preventing disease caused by this virus.
- Certain treatments have been approved for Ebola virus disease.
Early medical attention and proper treatment can improve a patient’s chances of survival.
2. Sudan Virus
Sudan virus causes a condition known as Sudan virus disease (SVD).
It was first identified in 1976 during an outbreak in what is now South Sudan. It is closely related to Ebola virus but is a distinct virus species.
Sudan virus can cause severe illness, including fever, weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea. It can also lead to internal and external bleeding in some patients.
Important facts about Sudan virus:
- It has caused outbreaks in Uganda and other parts of Africa.
- It spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids.
- It can cause severe illness and death.
- The Ebola vaccine ERVEBO is not approved to protect against Sudan virus.
- Research into vaccines and treatments specifically targeting Sudan virus is ongoing.
It is important not to assume that a vaccine developed for Ebola virus will automatically protect against Sudan virus.
3. Bundibugyo Virus
Bundibugyo virus causes Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). It was first identified in 2007 during an outbreak in Bundibugyo District in western Uganda.
Scientists discovered that the virus was genetically different from the other known Ebola-related viruses.
Bundibugyo virus can cause serious illness. Its symptoms are similar to those caused by other Ebola viruses, making laboratory testing important for accurate diagnosis.
Important facts about Bundibugyo virus:
- It was first identified in Uganda in 2007.
- It has also been associated with an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- It can spread through contact with infected blood and body fluids.
- It can cause severe illness.
- There is no widely approved vaccine specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease.
The discovery of this virus helped scientists understand that Ebola-related illnesses are caused by more than one virus species.
4. Taï Forest Virus
Taï Forest virus is a rare member of the orthoebolavirus group. It is named after the Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire, where it was identified.
A documented human infection occurred in 1994 after a scientist became infected while examining a dead chimpanzee. The person survived.
Although human infections are rare, the virus remains important to researchers studying animal-to-human disease transmission.
Key facts:
- It was identified in Côte d’Ivoire.
- It has been linked to a documented human infection.
- It is different from Ebola, Sudan and Bundibugyo viruses.
- There is no widely approved vaccine specifically for this virus.
5. Reston Virus
Reston virus was identified in 1989 in Reston, Virginia, in monkeys imported from the Philippines.
It has caused disease outbreaks in non-human primates and has also been detected in pigs. Some people exposed to the virus have developed antibodies, but it has not been shown to cause clinical illness in humans.
This makes it different from the Ebola viruses known to cause serious human disease.
Key facts:
- It has been detected in animals, including monkeys and pigs.
- Human exposure has been documented.
- It has not been associated with clinical illness in humans.
- It remains important for animal health and disease surveillance.
6. Bombali Virus
Bombali virus was identified in bats in Sierra Leone in 2018.
Scientists continue to study it to understand its potential impact on human and animal health. Finding the virus in bats does not mean that it has caused an outbreak of human disease.
Key facts:
- It was first identified in Sierra Leone.
- It has been detected in bats.
- Its ability to cause human disease has not been established.
- Further research is needed to understand its public health significance.
Ebola, Sudan and Bundibugyo Viruses: What Is the Difference?
Ebola, Sudan and Bundibugyo viruses belong to the same broader virus group, but they are separate species. Each causes a different disease name and may require a different medical response.
| Feature | Ebola virus | Sudan virus | Bundibugyo virus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disease caused | Ebola virus disease | Sudan virus disease | Bundibugyo virus disease |
| First identified | 1976, DRC | 1976, Sudan (now South Sudan) | 2007, Uganda |
| Major outbreak history | West Africa, 2014–2016 | Uganda and other locations | Uganda and DRC |
| Can cause severe illness | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Approved ERVEBO vaccine | Yes | No | No |
Why does the difference matter?
The distinction is important for three main reasons:
- Diagnosis: Laboratory tests help identify which virus is responsible for an infection.
- Treatment: Some approved treatments are specific to Ebola virus disease and should not be assumed to work against other species.
- Vaccination: A vaccine that protects against Ebola virus may not protect against Sudan or Bundibugyo viruses.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease?
The symptoms of Ebola disease can be similar across the different virus species. They may also resemble other illnesses, including malaria, typhoid fever and other infections.
Symptoms usually appear between 2 and 21 days after exposure. Many people develop symptoms within 8 to 10 days.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Extreme tiredness and weakness
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising in some cases
Not every patient experiences all these symptoms. Bleeding is not always present, especially during the early stages.
Example: A person who develops a fever and severe weakness after caring for someone with suspected Ebola should not assume that it is ordinary malaria. They should contact a health facility or public health authority immediately and explain the possible exposure.
Early assessment is important because other infections can produce similar symptoms.
How Does Ebola Virus Spread?
Ebola spreads mainly through direct contact with infected blood or body fluids. It can also spread through contact with objects contaminated by these fluids.
1. Contact with an Infected Person
A person can become infected when the virus enters the body through broken skin or the eyes, nose or mouth.
Possible sources include:
- Blood
- Vomit
- Diarrhoea
- Urine
- Saliva
- Sweat
- Breast milk
- Semen
- Other infected body fluids
2. Contact with Contaminated Objects
Items that have been contaminated with infected body fluids can also spread the virus.
Examples include:
- Used needles and syringes
- Bedding and clothing
- Medical equipment
- Other contaminated surfaces
3. Contact with Infected Animals
People may become infected after contact with infected wild animals.
Possible sources include bats and non-human primates, such as monkeys and chimpanzees. Handling, preparing or eating infected wild animal meat can create a risk.
4. Contact During Traditional Burial Practices
The body of someone who has died from Ebola can remain infectious.
Funeral practices that involve touching or washing the body can expose family members and other participants to the virus.
Safe and dignified burial procedures are therefore important during an outbreak.
Can Ebola spread through the air?
Ebola does not spread through the air in the same way as influenza or COVID-19. Simply being near someone with Ebola does not mean that you will become infected.
A person with Ebola is generally considered infectious once symptoms begin. CDC
How Is Ebola Virus Disease Diagnosed?
Ebola cannot be confirmed by symptoms alone. A person may have symptoms that look like malaria, typhoid or another infectious disease.
Healthcare professionals use laboratory tests to confirm the infection and identify the virus responsible.
Common diagnostic methods include:
- RT-PCR testing: Detects genetic material from the virus in a patient’s sample.
- Antigen detection tests: Identify specific viral proteins.
- Laboratory assessment: Helps healthcare teams assess the patient’s condition and identify complications.
Testing must be carried out by trained professionals using appropriate safety procedures.
If someone may have been exposed to Ebola, they should contact a healthcare facility or public health authority before arriving. This allows staff to prepare for safe assessment and reduce the risk of exposing other people.
Is There a Treatment or Vaccine for Every Type of Ebola Virus?
No. Vaccines and treatments are not available for every type of Ebola virus.
There are approved vaccines and specific antibody treatments for disease caused by Ebola virus (Zaire species). However, these products should not be assumed to protect against Sudan, Bundibugyo or Taï Forest virus infections.
Treatment for other Ebola-related diseases may involve intensive supportive care and other medical measures.
Treatment Options
Medical care may include:
- Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes.
- Supporting blood pressure and oxygen levels.
- Treating complications.
- Managing pain, fever and other symptoms.
- Providing nutritional support.
- Treating other infections when necessary.
Early supportive care can improve the chances of survival.
Important: There is no safe home remedy that cures Ebola. Anyone with suspected exposure or symptoms should seek urgent professional medical assessment.
How Can You Prevent Ebola Virus Infection?
Preventing Ebola requires good hygiene, safe healthcare practices, public awareness and early reporting of suspected cases.
The following steps can help reduce the risk.
1. Avoid Contact with Infected Body Fluids
Do not touch the blood, vomit, urine, diarrhoea or other body fluids of someone suspected or confirmed to have Ebola.
Family members should not attempt to provide hands-on care without appropriate protective equipment and professional guidance.
2. Practise Proper Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands with soap and clean running water, especially after using the toilet, caring for someone who is ill or handling potentially contaminated materials.
Alcohol-based hand sanitiser can also be useful when hands are not visibly dirty.
3. Avoid Handling Sick or Dead Wild Animals
Do not touch or prepare wild animals found sick or dead.
Avoid handling raw meat from animals that may carry infection. Follow local public health advice about food safety during an outbreak.
4. Follow Safe Burial Procedures
Do not touch or wash the body of someone who may have died from Ebola.
Trained burial teams should follow public health guidance while respecting the dignity and cultural needs of the family.
5. Follow Healthcare Safety Guidelines
Healthcare workers should use appropriate personal protective equipment, follow infection prevention procedures and receive proper training.
Medical facilities should also have systems for identifying, isolating and safely managing suspected cases.
6. Report Suspected Cases Early
Anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure should seek immediate medical advice.
Early reporting allows health authorities to arrange testing, treatment, contact tracing and other protective measures.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Ebola Exposure?
If you think you have been exposed to Ebola, take the situation seriously. Do not wait for severe symptoms to develop.
Follow these steps:
- Contact a health facility or public health authority: Explain when and how the possible exposure happened.
- Avoid close contact with other people: Do not expose family members or friends to possible infection.
- Do not travel unnecessarily: Follow instructions from health professionals about safe transport and assessment.
- Do not handle potentially contaminated items: Avoid touching blood, body fluids, clothing or bedding that may be contaminated.
- Follow medical instructions: Allow trained healthcare workers to assess your risk and arrange testing if necessary.
If you are in Nigeria, contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) or a healthcare facility for current public health guidance. Do not rely on social media reports or unverified treatment advice.
Common Mistakes People Make About Ebola
Misinformation can create fear and delay the right response. Understanding the facts helps people make safer decisions.
Mistake 1: Thinking all Ebola viruses are the same.
Ebola, Sudan and Bundibugyo viruses are different species. Their vaccines and treatment options may differ.
Mistake 2: Believing every person with a fever has Ebola.
Fever is common in many illnesses. Laboratory testing and a proper medical assessment are needed to confirm Ebola.
Mistake 3: Assuming Ebola spreads through the air.
Ebola is mainly spread through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials, not simply by being near an infected person.
Mistake 4: Believing there is one vaccine for every Ebola virus.
The approved ERVEBO vaccine targets Ebola virus (Zaire species). It is not a universal vaccine for all orthoebolaviruses.
Mistake 5: Waiting until symptoms become severe before seeking help.
Anyone with a possible exposure should contact healthcare professionals promptly, even before symptoms appear.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Types of Ebola Virus
1. How many types of Ebola virus are there?
There are six recognised species of orthoebolavirus: Ebola, Sudan, Bundibugyo, Taï Forest, Reston and Bombali viruses. Four have been associated with human infection or disease, while Ebola, Sudan and Bundibugyo viruses have caused major human outbreaks.
2. What is the difference between Ebola virus and Sudan virus?
Ebola virus and Sudan virus are separate species within the same virus group. Both can cause severe illness, but they cause different diseases. The approved ERVEBO vaccine protects against Ebola virus (Zaire species), not Sudan virus.
3. Is Bundibugyo virus a type of Ebola?
Bundibugyo virus belongs to the same broader orthoebolavirus group as Ebola virus. It causes a separate illness called Bundibugyo virus disease. It was first identified during an outbreak in Uganda in 2007.
4. What are the first signs of Ebola virus disease?
Early signs may include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness and tiredness. Other symptoms can develop, including vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain. Symptoms generally begin 2 to 21 days after exposure.
5. Can Ebola be treated or prevented?
Yes. Early medical care, infection prevention and appropriate vaccination can help reduce the impact of Ebola disease. Approved vaccines and specific treatments are available for Ebola virus disease caused by the Zaire species, but not every Ebola-related virus has an approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Trustworthy External Sources
For further information, readers can consult these recognised public health organisations:
- World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ebola-disease
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/about/index.html
- CDC – How Ebola Disease Spreads: https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/causes/index.html
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): https://www.fao.org/one-health/highlights/ebola-virus-disease-faq/en
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC): https://ncdc.gov.ng/
