By Jack Linshi
In 1996, hunters in Gabon fell ill with Ebola after they ate a dead chimpanzee infected with the virus. Of the 31 cases, 23 people died from the disease, including some of the hunters’ family members.
That outbreak was one of the more than 30 known Ebola outbreaks in human history; the ongoing West African Ebola epidemic is the deadliest on record. 13,567 cases and 4,951 deaths have been reported as of Oct. 29, according to the World Health Organization. Use this map by software company Esri to learn how Ebola has affected countries from South Africa to Spain since the virus’ first recognition in 1976:
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Donald Trump Is TIME's 2024 Person of the Year
- Why We Chose Trump as Person of the Year
- Is Intermittent Fasting Good or Bad for You?
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- The 20 Best Christmas TV Episodes
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com