The Hot Zone Topic is Ebola, a virus that causes a severe and often fatal disease in humans and other primates. It was first identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. The virus is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, and outbreaks have occurred in Africa, Asia, and the United States. Symptoms include fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, and weakness, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. There is no known cure for Ebola, but treatments such as rehydration and supportive care can improve outcomes.