Ebola was previously known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever. It is a potentially deadly and rare disease.  This disease is caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. Ebola viruses are usually found in many African countries. The current outbreak is affecting several countries.

Fact 1) Ebola first emerged in 1976 in Zudan & Zaire – Yes, the first ever outbreak managed to kill 284 people! The disease was referred to as Ebola-Sudan back then. It had 53% mortality rate. The second outbreak followed soon and it was reported in Yambuku, Zaire, after couple of months. This time, mortality rate shot up to 88%.

Fact 2) Ebola Natural Reservoir was never identified – Despite the best efforts from scientists; the natural reservoir of Ebola still remains a mystery. Had they achieved this, finding a cure would have been little less complicated.

Fact 3) A female ethologist was infected in 1994 from a dead Chimpanzee – It was the last known strain of Ebola until the recent outbreak. It was named Ebola Cote d’Ivoire (EBO-CI). She contracted the disease while performing a necropsy on a dead chimpanzee from the Tai Forest named Cote d’lvoire.

Fact 4) Porton Down Lab accident lead to significant progress in understanding the virus – The Center for Applied Microbiology Research at Porton Down in England used to conduct research on Ebola virus. It has level-four category security system. They kept the virus in a bullet proof glass chamber. Back in 1976, scientists working in this facility did not know much about the danger posed by the virus. One researcher was accidentally infected when he pricked his thumb with a syringe. He became a victim of the disease few days later. Luckily, the man survived. The positive thing was that the scientists could take his bodily fluids, which lead to significant study of the disease.

Fact 4) Affected Men Were Asked to Wear Condoms for 3 months – studies revealed that the virus manages to stay active in the bodily fluids like breast milk and semen. As for semen, it stays active for up to 3 months. This can happen even after a clean blood test. The problem with the blood-borne antibodies is that they don’t reach the testicles. Therefore, those men who recover from Ebola are told to wear a condom in case if they engage in sex.

Fact 6) Bat Population Could Be the Reservoir of Ebola Virus – Though scientists couldn’t find the natural reservoir of Ebola virus, they strongly believe that the virus has found a reservoir in the fruit bat population of central and western Africa. Bats used to be the carrier of rabies in some parts of the world.

Fact 7) A Movie Named Outbreak Featuring the Disease Was Released In 1995 – This is not a widely known fact considering the fact that it didn’t become a blockbuster at the box office. The movie depicted the horrors of the disease.

Fact 8) Ebola Got Its Name from the River Ebola – As we said before, the first outbreak happened in Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak was first reported in a village on the banks of Ebola River.

Fact 9) Disinfectants can kill Ebola Virus – Studies have revealed that disinfectants and household bleach can kill the virus. An EPA-registered hospital disinfectant will be able to kill Ebola virus.

Fact 10) Ebola Will Be Able to Survive for Hours on Dried Surface – Studies reveal that Ebola can survive outside body for hours; especially on the dried surface like countertops and doorknobs. When it comes to body fluids like blood, the virus can survive in the room temperature for several days.