Diagnosing Ebola:
Ebola is diagnosed based on travel history, symptoms and laboratory testing.
Ebola Treatment:
Although they are currently working on a vaccine trial, there is no known cure or licensed treatment for Ebola. Patients are treated for their symptoms and made as comfortable as possible.
- supportive care in an intensive care unit
- maintenance of fluid levels and electrolytes
- maintenance of oxygen status and blood pressure
- replacement of lost blood and clotting factors
- strict isolation to prevent the infection from spreading
Ebola Prevention:
1. Avoid direct contact with blood, saliva, vomit, urine and other bodily fluids of people with EVD or unknown illnesses.
- Avoid direct contact with bodies of people who died of EVD or unknown illnesses.
- Avoid contact with any medical equipment, such as needles, contaminated with blood or bodily fluids.
- If you are a healthcare worker, practice strict infection control measures. This includes isolating infected individuals and properly using personal protective equipment (gowns, masks, goggles and gloves).
- If you are a healthcare worker, properly use and disinfect instruments and equipment used to treat or care for patients with Ebola – like needles and thermometers – before throwing them out.
2. Avoid close contact with wild animals and avoid handling wild meat.
Avoid potential carriers, both live and dead, since both can spread the virus. Potential carriers of the virus include:
- chimpanzees
- gorillas
- monkeys
- forest antelope
- pigs
- porcupines, and
- fruit bats
3. Know the symptoms of EVD and see a healthcare provider if they develop.
- Closely monitor your health during and after travel. Seek medical attention immediately if a fever and any other symptoms arise during or after travel.
- If you develop symptoms, be sure to tell your healthcare provider that you have travelled to a region where EVD was present.
For more information from Canada Health, please click HERE