Ebola virus. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of the extrusion (release) of an Ebola virus (red) from a host cell (green). This filovirus, which causes Ebola fever, removes part of the host cell membrane (pink/blue, centre) as it leaves, ensuring that the host's defences do not recognise it as foreign. Ebola is contracted by handling material from infected animals, or through contact with the body fluids of infected patients. It causes a fever, severe haemorrhaging and central nervous system damage. There is no cure, but most victims recover if given good supportive therapy. Magnification unknown.