Ebola Virus causes Viral Hemorrhagic fever in affected persons and has caused a total no of 1,779 cases (including 961 deaths) since February 2014 in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and a few cases in Nigeria. As of August 8^th, The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in West Africa a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”, and called for global “solidarity” in the fight to stop the spread of the virus, which has now claimed close to 1000 lives. There are no travel or trade restrictions at this time but the recommendation is to screen exiting travelers in the affected countries.

Ebola is very easily transmitted by direct contact with skin or mucous membrane with blood or body fluids (including sweat, urine, semen, and breast milk) of acutely ill patients, persons who died of Ebola or of infected primates. The incubation period is 2-21 days (commonly 8-10 days) During an outbreak, those at higher risk of infection are health workers, family members and others in close contact with sick people and deceased patients.

Symptoms of Ebola are abrupt in onset, with high fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, sore throat and extreme malaise. Abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting develop around the third day and, often, hemorrhage on the fifth, leading rapidly to shock and death. Death rate in the current outbreak is close to 50% but it could be as high as 90%. In those who recover, convalescence is slow. There is no specific treatment for the disease. Intensive supportive or symptomatic treatment is often required.

Travelers returning from affected areas should self-monitor for 21 days after return and telephone ahead before presenting to any medical facility if they become ill.    Ebola virus is stable in the environment for several days but is killed by simple chlorine bleach solutions. At this time it is best to avoid non essential travel to affected areas.