Animation of the life cycle of the Ebola virus. The viral genetic material, a single strand of RNA (yellow) enters the cell nucleus and is replicated by the nuclear machinery. The genetic material is released from the nucleus assembly and leaves the cell. This leads to lysis (destruction) of the cell. This virus is the cause of Ebola virus disease in humans and non-human primates. It is a severe and often fatal disease with symptoms including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhoea and haemorrhaging (internal bleeding). There is no cure for the disease, but three quarters of patients can recover if provided with sufficient medical support. |