EBOLA: Information that may be helpful to you.
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). Currently, the outbreak of Ebola is mainly in West Africa.
Ebola virus is spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids (including but not limited to feces, saliva, urine, vomit, and semen) of a person who is sick with Ebola. The virus in blood and body fluids can enter another person’s body through broken skin or unprotected mucous membranes in, for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth.
- The virus also can be spread through contact with objects (like needles and syringes) that have been contaminated with the virus, or with infected animals.
- Ebola is not spread through the air or by water or, in general, by food; however, in Africa, Ebola may be spread as a result of handling bushmeat (wild animals hunted for food) and contact with infected bats.
For the most up-to-date information on Ebola, visit:
Georgia Department of Public Health