In the wake of confirmation of the first diagnosed case of Ebola virus in the United States, the Kane County Health Department is coordinating its efforts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health, area local health departments, hospitals and medical facilities to monitor for the Ebola virus.

It is important to remember the Ebola virus does not spread easily and, though one individual has been diagnosed in the United States, there have been no reported cases of people becoming infected while here. The Ebola virus is spread by direct contact with blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has symptoms or with a person who has recently died from Ebola. It may also be spread through objects or surfaces contaminated by body fluids of a person infected with Ebola virus, for example clothing or bedding. Ebola is not spread through the air, by water or by food.

A person infected with the Ebola virus CANNOT pass it on to others before any symptoms appear.

The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to areas affected by the Ebola virus disease outbreak. You can protect yourself by the following these guidelines:

• Avoid contact with blood and body fluids of those who are ill.
• Do not handle items that have come in contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids.
• Use protective clothing (gloves, gown, masks and eyewear) when caring for sick persons.
• Monitor your health for 21 days after leaving the affected area.
• Seek medical care immediately if you develop symptoms of Ebola.

Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever

Ebola, also known as Ebola virus disease, is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains (Zaire, Sudan, Bundibugyo, or Tai Forest virus). Ebola viruses are found in several African countries. Ebola was discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in several African countries.

What is Ebola?

Ebola is a hemorrhagic fever virus that has appeared sporadically since its initial recognition in 1976 and named after a river in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa, where it was first recognized. The virus has also been identified in bats and primates. Ebola causes severe illness. Between 50 percent and 90 percent of humans who become infected with the virus die.

What treatment is available?

There is no licensed treatment or vaccine for Ebola virus disease, though both are under investigation. Treatment for Ebola is supportive with intravenous fluids, maintaining blood pressure and oxygenation and treating additional infections if present.

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