Skip to main content
GOV.UK
Blog: UK Health Security Agency
Organisations:
UK Health Security Agency
UK Health Security Agency

What is Ebola and how does it spread?

Posted by: Blog Editor, Posted on: 18 May 2026 - Categories: Global health, Travel
A greyscale image of a electron microscopic image of an isolate of Ebola virus.

Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses, known as orthoebolaviruses. It affects both humans and animals and spreads through close contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. The disease was first identified in 1976 during outbreaks in …

Read more of What is Ebola and how does it spread?

Related content and links

About this blog

The official blog of the UK Health Security Agency, providing expert insight on the organisation's work and all aspects of health security.

Sign up and manage updates

  • Email
  • Atom

Recent posts

  • How do you catch genital herpes and is there a cure?  5 June 2026
  • Detecting the invisible: how we uncovered the Brixham cryptosporidium outbreak 2 June 2026
  • What is syphilis? A quick guide to its symptoms and treatment 2 June 2026

Useful links

  • All GOV.UK blogs
  • All GOV.UK blog posts
  • GOV.UK
  • All departments
  • Accessibility statement
  • Cookies
All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated
© Crown copyright