Transmission & prevention
How Ebola spreads, and how to prevent it
Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of a person who is symptomatic, or with contaminated surfaces, equipment and animals. It does not spread through casual distant contact and is not airborne.
Routes of transmission
Bodily fluids
Direct contact with blood, vomit, diarrhea, sweat, semen, breast milk, or other fluids of an infected person.
Contaminated surfaces
Touching contaminated needles, medical equipment, bedding, or clothing.
Caregiving without PPE
Caring for sick people without protective equipment is one of the highest-risk exposures.
Funeral and burial practices
Traditional burial rites that involve direct contact with the deceased pose serious risk.
Infected animals / bushmeat
Contact with infected fruit bats, non-human primates, or other wildlife in some regions.
Ebola does NOT spread through casual distant contact.
Ebola is NOT airborne like measles or chickenpox.
People are not contagious until they develop symptoms.
Risk is highest when exposed directly to bodily fluids.
Prevention checklist
- 01Avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of anyone who is sick.
- 02Wash hands frequently with soap and water, or use alcohol-based sanitizer.
- 03Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings.
- 04Follow public-health guidance during active outbreaks.
- 05Do not handle deceased individuals without trained support.
- 06Safely isolate suspected infections and notify health authorities.
- 07Disinfect contaminated surfaces using appropriate solutions.
- 08Seek medical advice promptly after possible exposure.
- 09Follow vaccination guidance where available (e.g., Ervebo, Zabdeno/Mvabea).
- 10Cooperate with contact-tracing and public-health teams.
What not to do
Do not touch bodily fluids without protection.
Do not reuse contaminated medical equipment.
Do not handle deceased individuals without proper training.
Do not ignore outbreak advisories from official sources.