Abstract

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a highly fatal zoonotic disease caused by a negative-stranded RNA virus of the genus Ebolavirus in the family Filoviridae. Since its first discovery in 1976 in Central Africa, the disease has triggered several large outbreaks with a mortality rate that can reach 90%. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected individuals, including corpses, and can also spread in healthcare facilities if infection control procedures are not properly implemented. Fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae are thought to be the natural reservoir of the virus, playing a role in maintaining the ecological cycle and facilitating zoonotic transmission to humans through intermediary animals such as non-human primates. Clinically, EVD typically begins with high fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and extensive bleeding that can progress to multiple organ failure. Barriers to early detection, limited diagnostic laboratories, and weak health system preparedness in endemic areas contribute to accelerating the spread of the disease. The major outbreak that occurred in West Africa in 2014–2016 provided a crucial momentum for improving the global health system, particularly in terms of surveillance, rapid detection, and coordination between countries. Current EVD prevention and control efforts focus on a One Health approach, the implementation of stringent biosafety standards, the use of the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, and the development of monoclonal antibody-based antiviral therapies. This review reviews the latest developments in EVD pathogenesis, epidemiology, and mitigation strategies to strengthen preparedness for potential future outbreaks.

Key words: EVD; Zoonosis; Filoviridae; Vaccination; Virus.