Facts and Resources

Archived Outbreak Information - 2014

This information is no longer being updated.

• Ebola facts
• Monitoring people for Ebola
• Ebola and flu
• For parents and guardians
• For employers and business travelers
• For people with friends and family in affected areas
• Mental health resources
• Learn more

Important facts about Ebola

• Current science shows that people CANNOT get Ebola through the air, water or food grown or legally purchased in the U.S. 
• Ebola virus spreads by direct contact with blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola, or from direct contact with objects (like needles or syringes) that are contaminated with the virus.
• People are not contagious until they have symptoms. 
• People at highest risk for Ebola include healthcare workers and family and friends of infected patients. 
• Early identification of cases is crucial.
• Effective isolation of patients and appropriate infection control measures would contain any potential spread.
  
  

For more information:

• Disease Facts: Ebola
• FAQ: Ebola (pdf)  |  en Français
• Top 10 things you really need to know about Ebola (pdf)
• Facts about Ebola in the U.S. (pdf)
• Ebola Basics (pdf)

Monitoring people for Ebola

• Interim Ebola monitoring plan (pdf)
• FAQ: People under monitoring for Ebola (pdf)
• Interim guidance for those living with a person with possible Ebola exposure ("person under monitoring"):
  English (pdf)  | Spanish (pdf)  |  French (pdf)  |  Swahili (pdf)

Ebola and flu

Although flu and Ebola have some similar symptoms, Ebola is rare disease, particularly in the United States. Flu is very common. Unless you have had direct contact with someone who is sick with Ebola, your symptoms are most likely caused by flu.

• Is it flu or Ebola? (pdf, CDC)
• Learn where you can get a flu shot.

Information for parents and guardians

• Ebola information for parents and guardians (pdf)
• How do I talk to my child about Ebola?: Tips for answering your child's questions and reducing social stigma and bullying
• Understanding Ebola: for parents of young children

For employers and business travelers

• CDC guidance for U.S. businesses, employers and business travelers
• Questions and Answers about Ebola for formation for U.S. businesses, employers and business travelers

People with friends and family in affected areas

• Information about Ebola for people with family and friends in West Africa (pdf)  |  en Français

Mental health resources

• Resources for crisis and trauma response

Learn more

• CDC Ebola website
• Information for travelers

Page last updated: March 11, 2015