Ebola disease is a rare and often fatal disease of humans and non-human primates (for example, monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees) present in Central Africa. The disease is caused by a small group of closely related viruses. Although the natural animal reservoir remains unknown, bats are suspected to be the most likely source.
The county health departments in each of Florida’s 67 counties have regular communication and interaction with hospitals, medical providers, and laboratories to ensure that appropriate reporting and public health actions are taken. In the event that a patient suspected to have ebola is identified in Florida, the Florida Department of Health will collaborate with health care partners.
Through this partnership we ensure that appropriate patient care and protocols for isolation and infection control are followed. Additionally, through this collaboration with our health care partners we ensure that ebola testing is made available when needed. If ebola infection is confirmed, the Florida Department of Health will ensure contacts are closely monitored for symptoms of illness and take appropriate actions to prevent further spread of ebola.
Transmission
Ebola can be spread through direct contact with an infected ill person or their bodily fluids, or infected animals. A person can be infected with Ebola if they have direct contact with:
- Blood or bodily fluids of an infected ill person
- Objects such as needles, bedding, etc., that are contaminated with bodily fluids from an infected ill person
- Remains or bodily fluids of a person who died from ebola
- Infected bat, non-human primate, or possibly other animals while traveling in Central Africa
Symptoms
Symptoms may appear 2-21 days after a person is exposed to an infected, ill person or an infected animal. Infected people only become contagious after they start to feel ill. Most people will become ill within 8-10 days of exposure.
When infection occurs, symptoms usually begin suddenly. Symptoms of ebola typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, weakness, fatigue, sore throat, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Severe forms of the disease may lead to organ failure, shock, and possibly death.
Guidance for Floridians and Visitors
Guidance for Health Care Workers
- Algorithm to Identify Patients with Suspected Ebola
- T.E.A.C.H to Prevent Ebola Exposure
- Emergency Department Screening Form
- Outpatient Clinic Screening Form
- Contact Tracing Flyer | Spanish
- Health Care Actions for Ebola Flyer | Spanish
- Guidance and Information for Health Care Workers
- Environmental Infection Control in Public Health Care
- Patient Evaluation Checklist