How was the first person infected by Ebola?

The first person infected by Ebola is believed to have contracted the virus through contact with infected animals, such as fruit bats, which are considered natural hosts of the virus. In the initial outbreak in 1976 in Sudan and Zaire, the first cases were traced back to individuals who had close contact with these animals or their bodily fluids. Subsequent human-to-human transmission occurred through direct contact with infected bodily fluids of those showing symptoms. Understanding the zoonotic origins of Ebola is crucial for preventing future outbreaks.