Ebola Exposure

Is this your child's symptom?

  • You or your child were exposed to someone diagnosed with Ebola
  • You traveled to or are living in an area with recent cases of Ebola. In 2014, a large Ebola outbreak occurred in West Africa.
  • You have questions about Ebola
  • Ebola Exposure means:
  • Touching a person diagnosed with Ebola. Examples include kissing, hugging, or holding hands. Another example is sharing eating or drinking utensils.
  • Contact with blood or body fluids of a person with suspected or proven Ebola.
  • Handling bats, monkeys or other wild animals from areas where Ebola occurs.

Ebola Facts

  • Ebola is an infection caused by the Ebola virus.
  • The infection is spread human-to-human. The first cases may have come from contact with infected bats or monkeys.
  • It is a rare disease, but the death rate can be 50% in poor countries. The death rate in US hospitals is about 10%.
  • There have been small outbreaks in Africa since 1976.
  • In 2014, a major outbreak of Ebola started in Guinea in West Africa.
  • On September 30, 2014, the CDC reported the first case of Ebola in the United States. The patient caught Ebola in Liberia. He came down with his first symptoms in Dallas, Texas.

Symptoms of Ebola

Symptoms show up 2 to 21 days after being exposed to Ebola. The average is 8-10 days. Symptoms are:

  • Fever. Fever is usually the first symptom.
  • Stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Severe headache, weakness or muscle pain.
  • Bleeding and bruising are late symptoms.

How Ebola is Spread

  • People with Ebola do not spread the disease until they become sick. Infected people are safe to be with during the incubation period. This is the time between exposure and the time a person gets symptoms.
  • Ebola patients who have a fever and feel sick can spread the disease. During the first few days of symptoms, it is not very contagious. Most people living in the same home do not catch Ebola. The attack rate for adults is 30%. The attack rate for children is 5%.
  • The Ebola virus can be spread in several ways:
  • Blood or body fluids of a person sick with Ebola can spread this illness. Body fluids include spit, urine, vomit, stool, sweat, semen and breast milk. Touching a dead body of an Ebola victim can also transmit the disease.
  • Dirty objects with blood or body fluids on them can spread the disease. Examples are dirty clothing, bedding or needles.
  • Infected animals (e.g., bats and monkeys) can also spread the disease.
  • Mucus membrane contact. Ebola can start if infected fluid gets into the eyes, nose or mouth. This mainly happens if infected fluid gets on the hands. Then, the healthy person then touches their face with dirty hands. Washing the hands often is helpful.
  • Skin contact. The virus in blood or body fluids may pass through an open cut. Normal skin is safe if the body fluid is carefully washed off.
  • Ebola is not spread in the food supply, tap water or the air. It also is not spread by mosquitoes or other insects.

Countries with Ebola Outbreaks

  • Most Ebola patients have been linked to countries in West Africa. These patients have either lived in or traveled to countries there. These countries include Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The risk of getting the illness is highest in countries that have outbreaks now.
  • Caregivers and close contacts of Ebola patients can also get the disease.
  • But, for most people, your risk of getting Ebola remains very low.

When to Call for Ebola Exposure

Call 911 Now

  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • Any unusual symptoms within 21 days of Ebola Exposure
  • You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Exposure to Ebola in the past 21 days and No fever or other symptoms
  • You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Exposure to Ebola more than 21 days ago and No fever or other symptoms
  • Questions about Ebola

Seattle Children's Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice

Ebola Exposure within Last 21 Days and Symptoms

  1. What You Should Know About Ebola Infection:
    • Your child was exposed to Ebola in the last 21 days and now has symptoms.
    • Your child needs to be checked to see if they have Ebola.
  2. Call the Nearest Emergency Room (ER) Now:
    • Your child needs to be seen. Call the nearest ER or the Ebola hot line. Tell them your child's symptoms and that they were exposed to Ebola. This is a very important step! This way the ER will be ready to care for you and protect others.
    • Not all hospitals are prepared to see possible Ebola patients. The ER will give you instructions on the best place to go. They may also send a special ambulance out to get your child.
    • The ER is the best place to get testing and treatment.
    • The ER is most prepared to prevent the spread of this infection to others.
  3. Isolation Is Needed:
    • Stay in your home until you talk with the ER or Ebola hot line.
    • Do Not go to school or work.
    • Do Not go to church, child care centers, shopping, or other public places.
    • Avoid close contact with others (hugging, kissing). Do Not shake hands.
  4. Protect Others from Body Fluids:
    • Protect others from blood and other body fluids!
    • Body fluids include spit, urine, vomit, stool, sweat, semen and breast milk.
    • Cover any bleeding area with a towel or cloth.
    • Other people should avoid contact with blood or body fluids. They should not touch you or your child. They should not handle your child's bedding or dirty clothes.
  5. Fever Medicine:
    • For fever above 102° F (39° C), can give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
    • Vomiting: Avoid medicine until seen.

Ebola Exposure within Last 21 Days and No Symptoms

  1. What You Should Know About Ebola Exposure:
    • Your child was exposed to Ebola but doesn't have any symptoms.
    • Since it's been less than 21 days, he is still at risk for getting Ebola. The infection starts within 21 days after the last exposure.
    • You will need to watch for symptoms until 21 days have passed.
  2. Call the Local Public Health Department (PHD) Right Away:
    • Call the local PHD right away. Some cities may have an Ebola hot line for reporting.
    • If you cannot contact the PHD, call your doctor.
    • This is very important. This must be done to stop the spread of the disease.
  3. Stay at Home:
    • Stay at home until you talk with the public health department or your doctor.
    • They will tell you how much isolation is needed during the 21 days.
    • Check your temperature two times a day.
    • Report any fever or symptoms to the health care provider following you.
  4. Call the Nearest Emergency Room (ER) Later If:
    • Fever occurs within 21 days of Ebola exposure
    • Stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting occurs within 21 days of Ebola exposure
    • Headache or cough occurs within 21 days of Ebola exposure
    • Unexplained bruising or bleeding occurs within 21 days of Ebola exposure
    • Important Note: You must phone the ER first before you go there. Tell them your child's symptoms and that they were exposed to Ebola. This is a very important step! This way the ER will be ready to care for you and protect others. Also, the ER may send a special ambulance out to get you.
  5. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Any unexplained symptoms occur within 21 days of Ebola exposure
    • You have other questions or concerns

Ebola Exposure Over 21 Days Ago and No Symptoms

  1. Reassurance:
    • Symptoms should appear 2 to 21 days after being exposed to Ebola. The average is 8-10 days.
    • Over 21 days have passed since your child was last exposed.
    • Your child did not develop fever or other symptoms of Ebola.
    • Therefore, your child should be safe from getting it.
  2. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Fever occurs
    • You think your child needs to be seen

Ebola Questions

  1. What You Should Know About Ebola:
    • Ebola is an infection caused by the Ebola virus.
    • It is a rare disease, but the death rate can be 50%. The death rate in US hospitals is about 10%.
    • There have been small outbreaks in Africa since 1976.
    • In 2014, a major outbreak of Ebola started in West Africa.
    • On September 30, 2014, the CDC reported the first case of Ebola in the United States. The patient caught Ebola in Liberia. He came down with his first symptoms in Dallas, Texas.
  2. Symptoms of Ebola:
    • Symptoms show up 2 to 21 days after being exposed to Ebola. The average is 8-10 days. Symptoms are:
    • Fever. Fever is usually the first symptom.
    • Stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea
    • Severe headache, weakness or muscle pain
    • Bleeding and bruising are late symptoms.
  3. How Ebola is Spread:
    • People with Ebola do not spread the disease until they become sick. Infected people are safe to be with during the incubation period. This is the time between exposure and the time a person gets symptoms.
    • Ebola patients who have a fever and feel sick can spread the disease. During the first few days of symptoms, it is not very contagious. Most people living in the same home do not catch Ebola. The attack rate for adults is 30%. The attack rate for children is 5%.
    • The virus can be spread in several ways:
    • Blood or body fluids of a person sick with Ebola can spread this illness. Body fluids include spit, urine, vomit, stool, sweat, semen and breast milk. Touching a dead body of an Ebola victim can also transmit the disease.
    • Dirty objects with blood or body fluids on them can spread the disease. Examples are dirty clothing, bedding or needles.
    • Infected animals (e.g., bats and monkeys) can also spread the disease.
    • Mucus membrane contact. Ebola can start if infected fluid gets into the eyes, nose or mouth. This mainly happens if infected fluid gets on the hands. Then, the healthy person then touches their face with dirty hands. Washing the hands often is helpful.
    • Skin contact. The virus in blood or body fluids may pass through an open cut. Normal skin is safe if the body fluid is carefully washed off.
    • Ebola is not spread in the food supply, tap water or the air. It also is not spread by mosquitoes or other insects.
  4. Countries with Ebola Outbreaks:
    • Most Ebola patients have been linked to countries in West Africa. These patients have either lived in or traveled to countries there. These countries include Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The risk of getting the illness is highest in countries that have outbreaks now.
    • Caregivers and close contacts of Ebola patients can also get the disease.
    • But, for most people, your risk of getting Ebola remains very low.
    • Countries where Ebola is occurring can change. The most current list of countries with Ebola outbreaks is on the CDC website. (www.cdc.gov)
  5. Internet Resources:
    • Look for Ebola pages on this website for more info:
      • Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Ebola Virus Disease.
  6. Call Your Doctor If:
    • You have other questions

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 10/11/2023

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.