1. EBOLA VIRUS INFORMATION
Presented by Andrea Hardware
Environmental Health Officer
Environmental Health Unit
University of Technology, Jamaica
Oct. 2014

2. What is Ebola?
Previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, it is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains.
Ebola can cause disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees).*
There are five identified Ebola virus species, four of which are known to cause disease in humans: Ebola virus Zaire ; Sudan, Forest, Bundibugyo and Reston . Reston has caused disease in nonhuman primates, but not in humans.*
Most recent outbreaks have been in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo.**
To date, there are no reports of cases in the Caribbean region.**
The natural reservoir host of Ebola virus remains unknown. However, on the basis of evidence and the nature of similar viruses, researchers believe that the virus is animal-borne and that bats are the most likely reservoir. *
*Sources: CDC website:
**Ebola Preparedness Response Plan for outbreak Control; Min. of Health, Jamaica ;Rev Oct
Source:

4. How do you get Ebola Virus?
Facts About Ebola
How do you get Ebola Virus?
Bodily fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola e.g. blood, urine feces, saliva, vomit, sweat, semen.**
Objects contaminated with the virus e.g., needles, soiled clothing, bed linen and medical equipment**
Infected animals e.g. by contact with blood, fluids or infected meats.*
Sources:
*Sources: CDC website:
**Ebola Preparedness Response Plan for outbreak Control; Min. of Health, Jamaica ;Rev Oct

6. Environmental Infection Prevention and Control
Hand washing with soap for approximately seconds**. Rinse with clean running water.
Wear Personal Protective equipment (PPE )(e.g. nitrile gloves, face mask or goggles) if one must participate in any cleanup activity associated with spills from body fluids and soiled material/equipment.
Respiratory Hygiene : Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with single use cloth. Perform hand hygiene after wards.*
Sanitization of surfaces with one of the following:
alcohol based products**
Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)**
Calcium hypochlorite (bleach powder)**
Use a 1:10 solution of bleach to water
(e.g., 1 cup of bleach in 9 cups of water)*
Sources: *Cleaning and Decontamination of Ebola on Surfaces. Guidance for Workers and Employers in Non-Healthcare/Non-Laboratory Settings; OSHA Fact Sheet.
**Ebola Preparedness Response Plan for outbreak Control; Min. of Health, Jamaica ;Rev Oct

7. End of Presentation