Ebola is caused by an infection. These are types of the Ebola in humans: Ebola-Zaire, Ebola-Sudan, and Ebola-Ivory Coast. The origin, locations, and natural habitat of the Ebola disease are still unknown. But researchers suspect that it lives in animals.

The known first case of Ebola in the world occurred in the Zaire (currently Democratic Republic of Congo near river Ebola) in 1976.

Ebola is suspected to be contracted through direct contact with jungle animals. Ebola first broke out in Uganda in 2000 and it killed 170 people.  Among the people died of Ebola that time included Dr Matthew Lukwiya, who was a medical superintendent at Lacor Hospital, in northern Uganda.

Ebola again broke out in Masindi in Uganda and it killed five people.  Again in November 2007 in Bundibugyo District, Ebola broke out and it killed 37 people including Dr. John Kule of International Medical Group. In May 2011, an outbreak of Ebola occurred in Luwero District, and two people died among them a 12-year-old girl who died shortly after being admitted at Bombo Military Hospital.