Ebola virus disease

Ebola virus disease is a serious illness that first appeared in Africa. A large outbreak took place there in 2014 to 2015, and it was officially declared over in June 2016.

That outbreak mainly hit 3 countries in west Africa: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. A few cases also turned up in parts of central Africa.

The World Health Organization reported around 28,000 cases and more than 11,000 deaths. It was the largest outbreak of Ebola that is known.

There's still a small chance that occasional cases of Ebola virus disease may occur in Africa, because the virus is present in several countries there. But the risk for people travelling to Africa is minimal.

The people who remain most at risk are those who care for infected people or handle their blood or fluid, such as hospital workers, laboratory workers and family members.

To find out what the health risks are for an area you're planning to visit, check the information for that country on Travel Health Pro, or look at the GOV.UK foreign travel advice.

The risk of an Ebola outbreak occurring in the UK remains negligible.

A person infected with Ebola virus will typically develop:

• a high temperature (fever)
• a headache
• joint and muscle pain
• a sore throat
• severe muscle weakness

These symptoms start suddenly, between 2 and 21 days after becoming infected.

Diarrhoea, vomiting, a rash, stomach pain and reduced kidney and liver function can follow. The person may then bleed internally, and may also bleed from the ears, eyes, nose or mouth.

If you become ill while you are travelling abroad, get medical advice as soon as you can. If you fall ill after you come back home, contact a doctor or call the 16263 health line.

It's extremely unlikely that you have Ebola virus disease. But the illness could be another serious condition such as cholera or malaria, so it's a good idea to get help in case you need tests or treatment.

Always mention your recent travel history, because it helps to show what the problem could be.

Sometimes your doctor may want to take a sample of your blood, urine or stools so it can be checked for any infections.

Ebola virus disease spreads through the blood, body fluids or organs of a person or animal that has the infection.

For example, you can catch it by:

• directly touching the body of someone who has the infection and has symptoms, or who has recently died (the virus can survive for several days outside the body)
• cleaning up body fluids (blood, stools, urine or vomit) or touching the soiled clothing of an infected person
• handling unsterilised needles or medical equipment used in the care of the infected person
• having sex with an infected person without using a condom (studies show traces of Ebola may remain in a man's semen many months after he has recovered)
• handling or eating raw or undercooked 'bushmeat'

Ebola can't be caught through routine social contact, such as shaking hands, with people who don't have symptoms.

There's no licensed treatment or vaccine for Ebola virus disease at the moment. New vaccines and drug therapies are being developed and tested.

If an outbreak happens, the affected area should be quarantined straight away. People confirmed to have the infection should be treated in isolation, in intensive care.

Dehydration is common, so fluids may be given directly into a vein. Blood oxygen levels and blood pressure also have to be kept at the right level, and the body's organs need support while the person's body fights the infection.

Healthcare workers must avoid contact with the bodily fluids of their infected patients. They do this by taking strict precautions, such as wearing protective equipment.

Ebola is sometimes fatal. The sooner a person gets care, the better their chance of surviving.

A few simple precautions can lower your risk of picking up infections that may be serious.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, and use an alcohol hand rub when soap isn't available.
• Make sure fruit and vegetables are properly washed and peeled before you eat them.
• Avoid physical contact with anyone who has possible symptoms of an infection.

• do not handle dead animals or their raw meat
• do not eat 'bushmeat'

If you're planning to visit an area, you can check the advice for it on Travel Health Pro country information or GOV.UK foreign travel advice.

Don't include personal information, for example your name, your location or any personal health conditions.