Ebola

What is Ebola?

Ebola is a rare but serious illness caused by the Ebola virus. It can make people and certain animals (like monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees) very sick. Ebola used to be called “Ebola hemorrhagic fever.”

The disease was first found in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, it has caused outbreaks from time to time in parts of Africa.

Experts believe that bats are the most likely natural source of the virus, though this hasn’t been proven for sure.

How Ebola Spreads

Ebola does not spread through the air, water, or casual contact like shaking hands or sitting next to someone. People get Ebola by:

• Touching the blood or body fluids (like urine, saliva, vomit, feces, breast milk, or semen) of someone who is sick with or has died from Ebola.
• Using needles or medical equipment that were used on someone with Ebola.
• Touching or eating animals (especially bats or primates) that might carry the virus – this mainly happens in parts of Africa.

Who Is at Risk?

Most people in the U.S. are not at risk for Ebola. It does not spread easily. Those most at risk include:

• Healthcare workers caring for Ebola patients without proper protective gear.
• Family or friends in close contact with someone who is very sick with Ebola.
• People who take part in funeral traditions that involve touching the body of someone who died from Ebola.

How to Prevent Ebola

There is an approved vaccine called Ervebo® that protects against one type of the Ebola virus. It’s mainly given to healthcare workers or people living in areas where outbreaks happen.

To help prevent Ebola:

• Avoid contact with blood or body fluids of someone who is sick.
• Do not share items like needles or personal care items that might have blood or fluids on them.
• Avoid touching or eating bats or wild animals, especially in areas where Ebola is known to occur.
• Use protective gear (gloves, masks, gowns) if caring for someone with Ebola.

Travel and Safety

  If you're traveling to an area with an Ebola outbreak:

• Wash your hands often and practice good hygiene.
• Don’t touch people who are sick or their body fluids.
• Avoid funeral or burial practices that involve touching the body.
• Don’t handle or eat bushmeat (wild animals like bats or primates).
• Stay away from hospitals treating Ebola patients.
• After returning home, watch your health for 21 days. If you get a fever or feel sick, see a doctor right away and mention your travel history.

For the latest travel advice, visit the Travelers’ Health Ebola webpage.