Ebola: What You Need to Know

The 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest in history, affecting multiple countries in West Africa. There were a small number of cases reported in Nigeria and a single case reported in Senegal; however, these cases are considered to be contained, with no further spread in these countries.

One imported case from Liberia and associated locally acquired cases in healthcare workers have been reported in the United States. The Centers for Diseanse Control and Prevention (CDC) and its partners are taking precautions to prevent the further spread of Ebola within the United States. CDC is working with other U.S. government agencies, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other domestic and international partners and has activated its Emergency Operations Center to help coordinate technical assistance and control activities with partners. CDC has also deployed teams of public health experts to West Africa and will continue to send experts to the affected countries.

How do you get the Ebola virus? Who is at risk?

Healthcare providers caring for Ebola patients and the family and friends in close contact with Ebola patients are at the highest risk of getting sick because they may come in contact with the blood or body fluids of sick patients. People also can become sick with Ebola after coming in contact with infected wildlife. For example, in Africa, Ebola may spread as a result of handling bushmeat (wild animals hunted for food) and contact with infected bats. The virus also can be spread through contact with objects (like clothes, bedding, needles, syringes/sharps or medical equipment) that have been contaminated with the virus or with infected animals.You can only get Ebola through direct contact with:

1. Body fluids  (blood, vomit, pee, poop, sweat, semen, spit, other fluids) of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola.
2. Objects contaminated with the virus (needles, medical equipment).
3. Infected animals (by contact with blood or fluids or infected meat).

What are the symptoms of Ebola?

Ebola can only be spread to others after symptoms begin. Symptoms can appear from 2 to 21 days after exposure. They include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Muscle pain

When is someone able to spread the disease to others?

Ebola only spreads when people are sick. A patient must have symptoms to spread the disease to others. After 21 days, if an exposed person does not develop symptoms, they will not become sick with Ebola.

Where can I learn more?

The CDC website contains updates on the current outbreak, information on preventive measures and guidance for healthcare workers.