1. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) WHAT IS IT?
EVD is a preventable but often fatal viral infection
An EVD outbreak is affecting countries in West Africa where disease control resources are very limited (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria)
You can only get EVD from direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids of infected people who have symptoms or from contaminated objects
You CANNOT get EVD from air, water, or food
Symptoms include rapid onset of fever, weakness, joint/muscle pain, headache and sore throat. Vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain follow. In some cases, a rash, red eyes, and bleeding may occur.
There is no vaccine or specific treatment currently available and proven to be effective
Current Situation
The 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak started in a rural area of Guinea in March and now is affecting regions of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. As of 1 August 2014, 1603 confirmed and suspected cases (with 887 deaths) of EVD have been reported. Disease control efforts in affected regions have been hindered by austere healthcare settings, living conditions, misinformation, cultural norms, and not seeking care, due to mistrust.
The risk to non-medical DoD personnel working in affected countries is LOW

2. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF?
Avoid blood and body fluids or any items that may have been in contact with blood and body fluids of infected people
Avoid funeral or burial rituals that require handling the body
Avoid contact with animals or raw meat
Avoid health care settings where Ebola patients are treated
Health care workers: Practice standard, contact and droplet infection control precautions; wash hands frequently; and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Casual contact does not spread Ebola. Only persons with symptoms can transmit the virus. Avoid contact with blood and body fluids of ill persons. Health care providers caring for Ebola patients and family and friends in close contact with an ill person are at highest risk because they may come into contact with blood or body fluids.
-What can I do to protect myself from Ebola during a mission?
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for Ebola. Therefore, it is important to take steps to prevent Ebola.
If you cannot avoid traveling to an affected county, be sure to do the following:
•Practice careful hygiene. Avoid contact with blood and body fluids.
•Do not handle items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids.
•Avoid funeral or burial rituals that require handling the body of someone who has died from Ebola.
•Avoid contact with animals or with raw meat.
•Avoid hospitals where Ebola patients are being treated. The US Embassy or consulate is often able to provide advice on facilities that are suitable for your needs.
•Comply with all travel screening protocols at airports or other checkpoints.

3. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) WHAT DO I DO IF I THINK I WAS EXPOSED?
Seek medical care immediately if you have any symptoms of EVD: fever, muscle/joint pain, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain or red eyes
Tell your health care provider where you traveled and how you think you may have been exposed to EVD
Limit contact with other people when you seek care and do not travel anywhere else until your provider tells you it is okay to do so
Notify your unit medical personnel if you were exposed to someone known to have EVD, even if you do not have any symptoms
•Pay attention to your health after you return/leave the affected country.
•Monitor your health for 21 days if you were in an area with an Ebola outbreak, especially if you were in contact with blood or body fluids, items that have come in contact with blood or body fluids, animals or raw meat, or hospitals where Ebola patients are being treated.
•Seek medical care immediately if you develop fever, headache, achiness, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, or red eyes. ◦Tell the doctor about your recent travel and your symptoms before you go to the office or emergency room. Advance notice will help the doctor care for you and protect other people who may be in the office.
•Patients who sought care soon after symptoms started, have survived with only supportive care, such as balancing the patient’s fluids and electrolytes, and treating for any complicating infections.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization