Ebola Virus Disease
Ebola virus disease is a severe infection that causes haemorrhagic fever in humans and can be fatal in 30-90% of cases. Symptoms usually begin with sudden onset of fever, body aches and pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea. The incubation period (time from exposure to onset of symptoms) is usually from 8 to 10 days but can vary from 2 to 21 days. Infected people become contagious once they begin to show symptoms but are not contagious during the incubation period.
Current Risk Status
The Ebola virus itself does not spread easily from person to person; it is not like the flu. The disease can spread by direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, and other body fluids of infected people, or by indirect contact with environments contaminated with such fluids. Infected individuals become contagious once they begin to show symptoms but are not contagious during incubation.
The risk of Ebola in Canada is very low. An outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa has been ongoing since March 2014, originating in Guinea, with spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone, and with limited travel related cases in Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Spain and the United States. As of December 11 Guinea continues to have transmission. Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone have since been declared Ebola free. Contacts are being followed in the other affected countries. You can find more information provided by the World Health Organization’s Ebola Response Roadmaps.
Travel Health Advisories
Individuals travelling abroad are encouraged to check the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Ebola Travel Health Advisory:
Recent Travel
If you are concerned about Ebola disease and have recently been in the African country of Guinea in the last 21 days call the Healthline at 1-888-709-2929 or contact your healthcare provider by telephone and explain the situation to them.
Updates from the Minister
Provincial Government Continues to Strengthen Ebola Preparation Efforts – November 13, 2014
Minister Outlines Ebola Preparation Activities – October 21, 2014
Minister Provides Update on Ebola Preparedness and Planning – October 17, 2014
Tools and Resources
Ebola Poster – an infographic that provides important information on Ebola and what to do if you feel sick. The French version is available here .
Information for Health Care Providers
- Regional Health Authority Providers
- Family Physicians
- Pharmacists
- Disease Control Manual
- Ebola FAQ for Employees
- Ebola Virus Disease: Interim Infection Prevention and Control Precautions for Healthcare Settings
- Public Health Measures – Management of Cases and Contacts of Ebola Virus Disease (1 MB)
Links
For more information on Ebola, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada.
For other health and travel information, please click here .
For more information from your specific Regional Health Authority: