Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a rare and deadly disease most commonly affecting people and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). It is caused by an infection with one of five known Ebola virus species, four of which can cause disease in people. The current Ebola outbreak has been confined to parts of Africa, and there are no active cases in Massachusetts or anywhere in the United States.
Planning Efforts
The likelihood of the arrival of someone into Massachusetts with EVD is very low, and the potential for transmission in the United States is even lower. We learned a tremendous amount from the extensive work surrounding the previous outbreak, and have a plan in place to coordinate any necessary actions should there be a suspected or confirmed case of Ebola in the Commonwealth. This includes the identification and assignment of 5 hospitals in the Commonwealth as either assessment or treatment hospitals for suspected or confirmed cases of EVD.
What are some of the symptoms of Ebola?
- fever
- headache
- joint and muscle pain
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- lack of appetite
- abnormal bleeding
It is important to know that these symptoms are not specific to Ebola and often are seen with other illnesses.
What are the different ways that people can be infected?
- contact with infected animals
- contact with the bodily fluids of infected humans - most cases are caused by human to human transmission which occurs when blood or other bodily fluids or secretions (stool, urine, saliva, semen) of infected people enters a healthy person’s body through broken skin or mucous membranes.
- broken skin or the mucous membranes of a healthy person coming into contact with items or environments contaminated with bodily fluids from an infected person (including soiled clothing, bed linen, gloves, protective equipment and medical waste such as used hypodermic syringes)
Who is at the greatest risk of infection during an outbreak?
- health workers
- family members or others in close contact with infected people
- those who have direct contact with bodies during burial rituals
Is there a vaccine or treatment for EVD?
There is no approved vaccine or treatment for EVD. Symptoms of the disease are treated as they appear. When used early, basic interventions can significantly improve the chances of survival. Current research on EVD focuses on finding the virus’ natural host, developing vaccines to protect at-risk populations, and discovering therapies to improve treatment of the disease.
or more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.