Ebola is part of the negative-stranded RNA family known as filovirus.   It was discovered in 1976 in Africa and was named after a river in Zaire where the virus originated.  The host where the Ebola virus originated is unknown.

The virus is a level 4 pathogen.  Only the most deadly disease causing agents known to man are classifieds as level 4 pathogens.  AIDS is only a level 2 pathogen.

The incubation period for Ebola runs from 4-16 days, depending upon strain.  The death rate is 70%-90% of those who are infected.   The Ebola virus causes severe hemorrhagic fevers.   Those that are infected could progress until they become very ill. The range of the severity could be from a relatively mild illness to even death.

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