Ebola virus is the cause of a viral hemorrhagic fever disease. Symptoms include: fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, lack of appetite, and abnormal bleeding. Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to the Ebola virus, although 8 to 10 days is most common.

Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected symptomatic person or through exposure to objects (such as needles) that have been contaminated with infected secretions.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges all US residents to avoid nonessential travel to Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia and to practice enhanced precautions if traveling to Nigeria because of the current outbreak of Ebola.

No. Individuals who are not symptomatic are not contagious. In order for the virus to be transmitted, an individual would have to have direct contact with an individual who is experiencing symptoms.

The Albany County Department of Health is working closely with local first responders and health care providers to provide guidance, information and tracking of potential cases. Albany County Department of Health is also working closely with New York State Department of Health and the CDC to get the most current information from across the state, country, and world. Albany County is prepared in the event of an Ebola case and will continue to provide guidance and support for the first responders and health care providers who would be on the ground to deal with any potential outbreak.

In the event of an outbreak, CDC assists with active screening and education efforts on the ground to prevent sick travelers from getting on planes. In addition, airports in affected areas screen all outbound passengers for Ebola symptoms, including fever, and passengers are required to respond to a health care questionnaire. CDC also increases support to the region by deploying additional workers to help build capacity on the ground.

General Information

• Ebola Frequently Asked Questions | NYS Dept of Health
• Get the Facts About Ebola | NYS Dept of Health
• Ebola: Am I At Risk? Palm Card [PDF]
• Ebola Disease Basics | CDC
• Signs and Symptoms of Ebola Disease | CDC
• Online Ebola Resources [PDF]

Travelers

• Ebola Travel Alert | CDC
• Information for Travelers Concerning the Ongoing Ebola Outbreak in West Africa [PDF]