The number one risk factor for contracting Ebola is direct contact with an infected patient, says Darria Long Gillespie, MD, chief doctor at Sharecare. In this video she explains the precautions you can take to protect yourself.
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For the number one risk factor for Ebola is being in direct contact with the fluids, the body fluids of somebody who has Ebola. So for the general public, they're not going to be exposed to someone with Ebola, and then won't have the risk factors for it. If somebody does care for a patient with Ebola, they need to observe the strictest protocols for keeping themselves safe and avoiding exposure to Ebola.
If you have traveled to the African continent, and think you were exposed to Ebola, it is important to call your State's Department of health, or the CDC info line, to find out the next steps and symptoms for which you should be monitoring yourself.
Ebola is a severe, often fatal virus in humans. The virus is rare and is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or objects that have been contaminated. Get expert information and updates on ebola.
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