There are five subtypes of the Ebola virus that have been identified so far. Four of which cause the disease in humans and the fifth causes the disease in non-human primates, not humans.

Ebola-Zaire

This virus in Zaire was discovered in 1976. It was the first known occurrence of the Ebola Virus in humans.

Ebola-Sudan

It was first discovered in western Sudan in 1976. This Ebola virus resurfaced in 1979 in Sudan. It also causes the disease in humans.

Marburg-Virus

The Marburg virus closely resembles the Ebola virus. It causes a severe haemorrhagic fever in its victims. It was recognized first in laboratory workers in Marburg, Germany and Belgrade as well as Yugoslavia. It happened in 1967 and was traced to African Green Monkeys imported from Uganda for experimental purposes. It does affect humans.

      Ebola-Tai

This type of the Ebola virus has been recently discovered. It was discovered in 1995 on the Ivory Coast of West Africa, in the Tai Forest. It also affects humans and the fist infected was a Swiss researcher. Fortunately she survived the infection.

       Ebola-Reston

This variation of Ebola virus was discovered in African monkeys that were imported to the United States. This type does not affect humans, only non-human primates.