The first recorded outbreak of Ebola virus disease occurred on June 27, 1976, in Sudan (concurrently with an outbreak in Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo). This outbreak marked the world’s introduction to Ebola, a severe and often fatal illness in humans. The virus’s emergence challenged the global health community due to its high fatality rates and the initial mystery surrounding its transmission and treatment. The 1976 outbreak was a critical moment that spurred significant research and public health efforts to understand and combat hemorrhagic fevers.
