Ebola Q&A Thread

[Quackers]

Yay! Another ebola thread!

Ok everyone, the purpose of this thread is simple:

1. To provide factual data as it is presented in regards to Ebola.

2. To end the misinformation and bickering that has come from this.

There's good people here and I don't like seeing DU descending into chaos over bad info.

The following Q&A is provided directly from the CDC.

What are body fluids?
Ebola has been detected in blood and many body fluids. Body fluids include saliva, mucus, vomit, feces, sweat, tears, breast milk, urine, and semen.

Can Ebola spread by coughing? By sneezing?
Unlike respiratory illnesses like measles or chickenpox, which can be transmitted by virus particles that remain suspended in the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes, Ebola is transmitted by direct contact with body fluids of a person who has symptoms of Ebola disease. Although coughing and sneezing are not common symptoms of Ebola, if a symptomatic patient with Ebola coughs or sneezes on someone, and saliva or mucus come into contact with that person’s eyes, nose or mouth, these fluids may transmit the disease.

What does “direct contact” mean?
Direct contact means that body fluids (blood, saliva, mucus, vomit, urine, or feces) from an infected person (alive or dead) have touched someone’s eyes, nose, or mouth or an open cut, wound, or abrasion.

How long does Ebola live outside the body?
Ebola is killed with hospital-grade disinfectants (such as household bleach). Ebola on dry surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops, can survive for several hours; however, virus in body fluids (such as blood) can survive up to several days at room temperature.

Are patients who recover from Ebola immune for life? Can they get it again - the same or a different strain?
Recovery from Ebola depends on good supportive clinical care and a patient’s immune response. Available evidence shows that people who recover from Ebola infection develop antibodies that last for at least 10 years, possibly longer.

We don’t know if people who recover are immune for life or if they can become infected with a different species of Ebola.

If someone survives Ebola, can he or she still spread the virus?
Once someone recovers from Ebola, they can no longer spread the virus. However, Ebola virus has been found in semen for up to 3 months. Abstinence from sex (including oral sex) is recommended for at least 3 months. If abstinence is not possible, condoms may help prevent the spread of disease.

Can Ebola be spread through mosquitos?
There is no evidence that mosquitos or other insects can transmit Ebola virus. Only mammals (for example, humans, bats, monkeys and apes) have shown the ability to spread and become infected with Ebola virus.

http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/transmission/qas.html

If you have any more facts to add, please do and cite your source. If you have a question your curious about, please ask. Let's help each other with facts and become a good source for reliable information. Thanks!

[riversedge]

1. Add breast milk and semen to bodily fluids

[Quackers]

2. Ebola can survive in semen for up to 3 months.

I am unsure about breast milk.

[Warpy]

3. There are many strains of Ebola

Most are common intestinal viruses with low death rates. Ebola-Zaire is the worst strain and has a very high death rate if not caught and treated early.

Immunity to the other strains does not confer immunity to Ebola-Zaire. Nor does it confer any appreciable resistance.

[Baclava]

4. Don't lick infected toilet seats

I learned that in a another thread

[rocktivity]

5. Current CDC Ebola Healthcare Personnel Guidelines (PDF)

Last edited Wed Oct 29, 2014, 09:19 PM - Edit history (1)

which would work so much better if the medical personnel did their self-monitoring THERE:
http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/fs1027-monitoring-symptoms-controlling-movement.pdf


rocktivity