Title: Chapter 1: What is Ebola and what does it do to the body? | Mercy Corps
Headings: Chapter 1: What is Ebola and what does it do to the body?
Chapter 1: What is Ebola and what does it do to the body?
What exactly is Ebola?
What happens to your body when you get Ebola?
What causes an Ebola outbreak to start?
What causes Ebola to spread?
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How can you protect yourself against Ebola?
Is there a vaccine to prevent Ebola?
What are the long-term health effects of Ebola?
Can Ebola be treated?
Can you survive Ebola without treatment?
How much does it cost to treat Ebola?

Content: Also, there is no evidence that the virus can spread through water or air, and Ebola is not usually spread through food. Currently, there is no evidence that Ebola can be spread through insects. Ebola can only spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and is not as easy to catch as the flu or the common cold. If you live in or plan to travel to a country where Ebola has been found, you can take steps to protect yourself from the disease by: Washing your hands often
Avoiding contact with bodily fluids
Avoiding contact with individuals who appear ill or who have a fever
Avoiding objects that have come in contact with an infected individual such as bedding, clothing or medical equipment
Not handling someone who has died from Ebola
Avoiding contact with bats and nonhuman primates, and raw meat from these animals
Avoiding seeking medical care at hospitals where patients are being treated for Ebola
Paying attention to your health for 21 days after returning from a country where Ebola has been found
Seeking medical attention immediately if you experience any Ebola symptoms
Healthcare workers are especially vulnerable to Ebola. Healthcare workers and volunteers can protect themselves by taking the following steps: Wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks and eye protection
Practice proper infection control
Ensure medical supplies, surfaces and equipment are sterilized
Avoid handling bodies of those who died from Ebola
Let health officials know if you come into contact with the bodily fluid of an infected patient
Mercy Corps prioritizes the value of hygiene through its work in Ebola-affected areas. During past outbreaks and the current one, we provide handwashing stations, access to clean water, and hygiene education to curb the spread of the disease. Mercy Corps provides the Malepe Health Center with hand wash kits. Regular handwashing with chlorinated water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the Ebola outbreak.