How Does Ebola Spread? Myths vs. Facts on Transmission

Ebola Virus Disease is caused by infection with the Ebola virus. People are first infected through direct contact with blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected animals, usually fruit bats. The virus then spreads between humans through close contact with blood, vomit, faeces, urine, sweat, or other body fluids of a sick or deceased person, and through contaminated objects like needles and bedding. Ebola does not spread through air, water, or casual contact.

Symptoms begin suddenly, usually 2 to 21 days after exposure, most often in 8-10 days. Early signs mimic malaria or flu: high fever, chills, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and sore throat. As the illness progresses, patients may develop vomiting, severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rash, and reduced kidney or liver function. In severe cases, bleeding can occur from the gums, nose, eyes, or in stool and vomit. Late stages may include confusion and organ failure.

There is no cure for Ebola, but treatment focuses on supportive care to improve survival. This includes rapid hydration with IV fluids, oxygen therapy, treatment of other infections, and approved antiviral medicines for some virus strains. Vaccines exist and are used in outbreak response. Because the disease can be fatal without prompt care, seek medical help immediately if you suspect exposure. In Kenya, call 719 for MOH alerts. This is general information only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare provider.

Prevention in 3 Steps

• Avoid contact with blood/body fluids of sick people
• Do not handle bushmeat or dead animals in outbreak areas
• Use safe burial practices. Only trained teams should handle bodies

• Myth: Ebola spreads through the air like the flu.
• Fact: It spreads only through direct contact with body fluids.
• Myth: You can catch it from someone with no symptoms.
• Fact: Only sick people spread Ebola.
• Myth: There is no hope.
• Fact: Early care saves lives + vaccines exist.

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