Title: Ebola virus disease
Headings: Ebola virus disease
Ebola virus disease
Key facts
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Vaccines
Prevention and control
Controlling infection in health-care settings
Care for people who recovered from EVD
WHO response
Table: Chronology of previous Ebola virus disease outbreaks

Content: Prevention and control
Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, including case management, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe burials and social mobilisation. Community engagement is key to successfully controlling  outbreaks. Raising awareness of risk factors for Ebola infection and protective measures (including vaccination) that individuals can take is an effective way to reduce human transmission. Risk reduction messaging should focus on several factors: Reducing the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission from contact with infected fruit bats, monkeys, apes, forest antelope or porcupines and the consumption of their raw meat. Animals should be handled with gloves and other appropriate  protective clothing. Animal products (blood and meat) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission from direct or close contact with people with Ebola symptoms, particularly with their bodily fluids. Gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when taking  care of ill patients. Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as a