Ebola virus infection
Patient discussions
Education:
A fact sheet is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC: Ebola (Ebola virus disease) fact sheet Opens in new window
A fact sheet is available from the World Health Organization (WHO) WHO: Ebola virus disease fact sheet Opens in new window
Bushmeat from Africa should not be imported into other countries CDC: importation - bushmeat Opens in new window
Household pets are not thought to be at significant risk for infection WHO: Ebola virus disease and household pets Opens in new window
Patients should be educated about the likely course of convalescence and the possibility of long-term complications.
Sexual health:
The WHO provides guidance on safe sex practices for survivors and their partners: WHO: interim advice on the sexual transmission of the Ebola virus disease Opens in new window
Women should be advised not to breastfeed during infection,[43] unless breast milk has been shown to be PCR negative for Ebola virus. However, the risks of not breastfeeding may outweigh the risks of breastfeeding if the infant is symptomatic. More detailed guidance is available here: ENN: infant feeding in the context of ebola Opens in new window
The WHO recommends that men should be offered semen testing every month from 3 months after symptom onset and be abstinent or use condoms ideally until two negative semen tests taken one month apart (or at least 12 months after resolution of symptoms).[50]
Travel:
The CDC and WHO produce guidance for travelers: CDC: travelers health - Ebola Opens in new window WHO: travel and transport risk assessment Opens in new window
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