Ebola is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus. While it can lead to severe, life-threatening illness, it does not spread easily. People only become infected through close contact with the body fluids of someone who is sick with Ebola.
There have been Ebola outbreaks in different parts of the world, most often in central and west Africa. Read on for answers to common questions parents have about the virus.
Ebola outbreak: facts for families
An Ebola
outbreak is currently affecting parts of central Africa. Health officials in the region, along with international health organizations, are working to contain its spread. Health officials there and throughout the world are actively working to contain it. No cases related to this outbreak have occurred in the United States.
One U.S. doctor did become infected while working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo providing medical care, before the outbreak was fully recognized. They were exposed there and have received treatment outside the United States.
The overall risk to families in the United States remains
low.
What is Ebola?
Ebola is caused by a group of viruses called orthoebolaviruses. There are four Ebola strains that can infect people, including:
Ebola virus (Zaire)
Sudan virus
Bundibugyo virus
Taï Forest virus
These strains cause Ebola virus disease, which can range from mild illness to severe infection.
How does Ebola spread?
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of a person who is sick with the disease.
This includes contact with:
Blood
Vomit or diarrhea
Saliva or sweat
Other body fluids
The virus can also spread through contact with objects contaminated with these fluids, such as clothing, bedding or medical equipment.
Ebola enters the body through:
Broken skin
The eyes, nose or mouth
A person infected with Ebola becomes contagious only after symptoms begin.
Is Ebola airborne?
No. You cannot get infected by breathing the same air as someone with Ebola. It is also not spread through water or by insects like mosquitoes. The only way Ebola spreads is through direct contact with the body fluids of someone who is sick with the disease, or with objects contaminated with those fluids.
What are the symptoms of Ebola?
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 21 days after exposure, most often between 8 and 10 days. Ebola disease is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever, which means it can affect how the body’s blood and organs work when the illness becomes severe.
Early Ebola symptoms include:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Weakness or fatigue
As the illness progresses, symptoms may include:
Vomiting and diarrhea
Abdominal (stomach) pain
Rash
In some cases, bleeding
The risk of severe Ebola disease varies depending on the type of virus and the care a person receives.
Is there a vaccine for Ebola?
An FDA-approved vaccine is available for one type of Ebola virus (Zaire). This vaccine is used in certain high-risk settings, such as during outbreaks, to help protect people who may be exposed.
There is not currently a licensed vaccine available for the Ebola strain behind the recent outbreak in Central Africa, known as the Bundibugyo virus. Researchers are working to develop vaccines for this strain, but they are still in early stages.
Can children get Ebola?
Children can get Ebola, although it is less common than in adults. When children do get Ebola, younger children may be at higher risk for severe illness, especially without early medical care.
Since symptoms of Ebola in children often begin with general signs like fever and tiredness, it can look similar to other common childhood illnesses.
When to seek medical care
Call your doctor right away if your child:
has a fever or other symptoms of illness, and
has traveled to an area with Ebola or had close contact with someone who may have it
Call ahead before going to a clinic or hospital so healthcare staff can take proper precautions.
How is Ebola treated?
Some treatments, including antibody-based medicines, may improve survival for certain types of Ebola when given early. These treatments help the body fight the virus.
For types of Ebola without a specific vaccine or treatment, care focuses on supportive medical care to help the body recover. This may include:
Fluids (by mouth or IV) to prevent dehydration
Support for breathing and blood pressure, if needed
Careful monitoring and treatment of complications, such as infections or organ problems
Early medical care is very important. With prompt treatment, more people are able to recover than in the past.
Remember
Ebola can be a serious disease, but it is not easily spread. Since the virus was first discovered in 1976, better medical care, vaccines for some types and improved treatments have helped more people survive. Most families will never be exposed, but it is still helpful to understand how Ebola spreads and what symptoms to watch for.
If you have questions or concerns about infectious diseases like Ebola, talk with your child’s pediatrician.
More information
Ebola virus image credit: CDC/Frederick Murphy