Ebola virus is a highly virulent filovirus, or thread virus, that causes a disease called Ebola fever. The virus was discovered in 1976 in the Ebola River area in northern Zaire. Since then, some isolated cases and two major outbreaks have occurred: in 1979 in Zaire and Sudan, and in 1995 in Zaire. In all cases, quarantines and improved precautions in hospitals helped prevent the virus from spreading.

Following infection, there is a 2 - 21 day incubation period before the infected person becomes ill. Early symptoms - similar to those caused by a wide range of other infections - include headache, fever, muscle pain, and fatigue, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and massive bleeding from all body openings. Up to 90 percent of those infected die from hemorrhaging and shock about a week after first-sympton onset. There is no effective treatment, nor is a preventive vaccine available. Fortunately, the virus is not easily transmitted. Direct contact with a victim's virus-laden blood or other body fluids appears to be the only mode of transmission.

The origin of the Ebola virus is unknown, but scientists suspect that it lives in wild animals that are not harmed by its presence. Several strains of the virus exist, and some do not cause illness in humans.

You see, viruses and bacteria are stirred up by humans and animals. This means that rain forests are not guilty of these charges. Our bodies are more able to fight every day bacteria such as the flu. But when new viruses and bacteria are stirred up, our body is not able to fend them off, which makes them so dangerous.