Key Points:
- Ebola is a severe, often fatal disease caused by a virus in humans and non-humans.
- A large outbreak is now occurring in West African countries: Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. 8,033 total cases resulting in 3,865 (48% case fatality rate) as of October 8, 2014.
- The Health Department has developed guidance for people who recently traveled to one of the three Ebola-affected countries.
- If you have not traveled recently to these areas understand that the risk of exposure is minimal.
The risk and likelihood of contracting Ebola is very low unless a person has direct unprotected contact with:
- Blood or other body fluids (stool, urine, saliva, vomit, semen) of an infected person.
- Infected human and/or non-human remains.
- Items contaminated with an Ebola patient’s infectious fluids such as soiled clothing or bed linens.
- You CANNOT contract Ebola through the air or just by being near someone who has been infected.
If you visited countries affected by the outbreak, and develop a FEVER within 21 days, seek medical care immediately.
- Alert the doctor’s office or emergency room about your symptoms BEFORE going.
- Tell your doctor if you had DIRECT CONTACT with a person who might have had Ebola.
Symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle pain, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, stomach pain, unexpected bleeding. Hospital staff will not ask you about your immigration status. You will be seen regardless of ability to pay.
For more information, call 311, or click: HERE for the latest information and educational material in multiple languages.
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