Infectious DiseasesMay 27, 2026
Expert Q&A: What is Ebola, and how UC Davis Health is uniquely prepared to evaluate and treat it
(SACRAMENTO)
When patients are diagnosed with serious infectious diseases such as Ebola, not all hospitals have the resources, training or facilities needed to safely evaluate and treat them.
UC Davis Medical Center is one of only two designated Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (SPTCs) in California. These centers are specially equipped to assess and care for patients with highly contagious and potentially life-threatening infections.
In light of the recent Ebola outbreak in Africa, Angel Desai — associate professor of infectious diseases and co-director of the SPTC — provides important insight into the rare virus. She also explains how UC Davis Health is uniquely prepared to care for affected patients while protecting health care workers and the broader community.
What is Ebola?
Ebola is a serious disease caused by a group of viruses. These viruses belong to a larger category called viral hemorrhagic fevers. There are several types, or species, of Ebola viruses that can infect humans. The illness can range from mild to severe, but it often has a high death rate — about 30% to 50%, depending on the type. While there are some treatments and vaccines, options are still limited.
Why does Ebola seem so frightening?
Ebola has a scary reputation partly because it has been shown in movies and books in dramatic ways. It is also a zoonotic disease, meaning it started in animals and spread to humans. That can make people uneasy because it adds uncertainty about how outbreaks begin. Another reason it is feared is its high death rate and the fact that treatment options have been limited in the past.
What are the symptoms of Ebola?
Early symptoms include fever, fatigue and body aches. As the disease progresses, patients may develop vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to internal bleeding and difficulty stopping bleeding. These serious symptoms require careful medical treatment in a hospital.
How does Ebola spread?
Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected person, such as blood or other fluids. This can happen when someone touches these fluids or surfaces contaminated with them. It often spreads between people who are in close contact, like family members or health care workers caring for patients. In rare cases, it may also spread through sexual contact. The first human cases in an outbreak are often linked to contact with infected animals, such as bats or primates.
“As the only center of its kind in Northern California, we are prepared to safely treat patients with Ebola while protecting healthcare workers and the community.”—Angel Desai
What is the current risk of Ebola spreading in the United States?
The risk of Ebola spreading in the United States is low. Current outbreaks are mostly limited to certain countries outside the U.S. Travelers can lower their risk by following public health guidance, staying informed about travel alerts and avoiding contact with infected individuals or wildlife in affected areas.
How deadly is Ebola today? What are the chances of survival?
Ebola can be deadly, but survival depends on several factors, including the type of virus and the level of medical care a patient receives. In the current outbreak in Central Africa, the death rate is estimated at 30% to 50%. Early and supportive care — such as fluids and monitoring — can improve a patient’s chances of survival.
Are there treatments or vaccines for Ebola?
There are some treatments available, including medicines called monoclonal antibodies that help the body fight the virus. There is also a vaccine that has been shown to be effective in preventing certain types of Ebola. However, these treatments and vaccines may not work for all types of the virus and research is still ongoing.
How would UC Davis Medical Center respond to Ebola?
UC Davis Medical Center is a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center. This means it is part of a nationwide network of hospitals trained and equipped to handle serious infectious diseases. The hospital has specialized staff, equipment and safety procedures in place. As the only center of its kind in Northern California, we are prepared to safely treat patients with Ebola while protecting healthcare workers and the community.
