Ebola virus structure, illustration. Ebola virus particles, computer artwork. This thread-like RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus is the cause of ebola haemorrhagic fever in humans. It takes its name from the location of the first recorded outbreak near the Ebola river in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ebola can be contracted by handling material from infected animals or through contact with bodily fluids or infected patients. Symptoms include a high fever, haemorrhaging and central nervous system damage. There is no cure and treatment is mostly supportive.