Ebola: What are the FACTS?

• It is not transmitted through the air, like the flu.
• According to public health authorities, the only way a person can get Ebola is by coming into direct contact with the body fluids (urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen) of someone who is already showing symptoms.
• If the person does not have symptoms, they are not contagious.

FAQs

In response to Frequently Asked Questions about Ebola, here is what our public health officials are saying.

Q:  What is Ebola, and what are the symptoms?
A:  Ebola virus is the cause of an Ebola virus disease.  Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Joint and muscle aches
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Lack of appetite
• Abnormal bleeding

Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to the Ebola virus, though 8-10 days is most common.

Q:  How is Ebola transmitted?
A:  Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluids (urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen) of an infected symptomatic person or though exposure to objects (such as needles) that have been contaminated with infected secretions.

Q:  Can I get Ebola from a person who is infected but doesn’t have any symptoms?
A:  No.  Individuals who are not symptomatic are not contagious.  In order for the virus to be transmitted, an individual would have to have direct contact with another individual who is experiencing symptoms or who has died from the disease.

Visit the CDC website for more information on Ebola.