Emile Ouamouno
Emile Ouamouno was a toddler who first contracted the Ebola virus in 2013. His illness and subsequent death symbolize the tragedy of infectious diseases, and the terrible impact they have on people's lives.
Bats
Preston asserts that Emile Ouamouno (the first person to contract the Ebola virus in 2013) might have caught the Ebola virus from a bat he had been playing with. Bats and animals are a key motif in this text, as they are thought to be the source of many viruses.
The Red Zone
The red zone is the area where people who caught the Ebola virus were quarantined. Here, the color red symbolizes danger and the potential for catching the highly-infectious disease.
Humarr Khan
Khan ultimately symbolizes heroism and bravery. Although he was offered a prestigious job in America, he stayed in West Africa to help find a treatment for the Ebola virus. After contracting the virus himself, Khan unfortunately passed away.
Contagion
The highly-infectious nature of the Ebola virus is a key motif in this book. The virus spread incredibly quickly, making it very difficult to contain. This is why the effort to find a treatment for the virus was so imperative.
