Ebola Virus Disease

Definition

Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. Ebola can cause disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees).

Transmission

The virus can be spread through direct contact through broken skin and/or mucous membranes with; infected bodily fluids, infected animals or objects contaminated with the virus.

For more information see the CDC Ebola Virus Tranmission info page http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/transmission/index.html

Symptoms

• Fever (greater than 38°C or 100.4°F)
• Severe headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained hemorrhage (bleeding or bruising)

Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to Ebola, but the average is 8 to 10 days.

Recovery from Ebola depends on good supportive clinical care and the patient’s immune response. People who recover from Ebola infection develop antibodies that last for at least 10 years

For More Information

Ebola Facts (English PDF)

Ebola Facts (Spanish PDF)

CDC Ebola Virus Disease Information Page

CDC Ebola Infographic

CDC Updated Guidance for Healthcare Workers

CDPH Ebola Virus Disease Information Page

Ebola Hotline 855-421-5921. The hotline will be in operation from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.