Transmission

When an infection does occur in humans, there are several ways in which the virus can be transmitted to others. These include:

The viruses that cause Ebola HF are often spread through families and friends because they come in close contact with infectious secretions when caring for ill persons.

During outbreaks of Ebola HF, the disease can spread quickly within health care settings (such as a clinic or hospital).

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests available within a few days after symptoms begin          

Treatment

Timely treatment of Ebola HF is important but challenging since the disease is difficult to diagnose clinically in the early stages of infection. However, if a person has the early symptoms of Ebola HF and there is reason to believe that Ebola HF should be considered, the patient should be isolated and public health professionals notified. Supportive therapy can continue with proper protective clothing until samples from the patient are tested to confirm infection.

Prevention

The prevention of Ebola HF presents many challenges. Because it is still unknown how exactly people are infected with Ebola HF, there are few established primary prevention measures. The aim of all of prevention techniques is to avoid contact with the blood or secretions of an infected patient, especially within health care settings. If a patient with Ebola HF dies, it is equally important that direct contact with the body of the deceased patient be prevented.