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Ebola Virus Disease

Contact the Florida Department of Health

Facts About Ebola

Guidance for Floridians and Visitors

Guidance for Health Care Workers

Guidance for Laboratories

Guidance for Public Health Workers

Videos

Facts About Ebola


Ebola

Previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, Ebola is a rare and often fatal viral disease. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is caused by one of five identified virus strains and occurs in humans and non-human primates such as monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees. Although the natural animal reservoir remains unknown, bats are suspected to be the most likely source.

Transmission

EVD can be spread through direct contact with infected animals or an ill infected  person or their bodily fluids.  A person can be infected with Ebola if they have direct contact with:

  • an infected bat, non-human primate, or possibly other animals
  • blood or secretions of an infected ill person
  • objects (i.e. needles, bedding, etc.) contaminated with bodily fluids from an infected ill person
  • the remains or bodily fluids of a person who died from EVD

    Symptoms

    Symptoms may appear 2 to 21 days after a person is exposed to an infected animal or an ill infected person. Infected people only become contagious after they start to feel ill. Most people will become ill within 14 days of exposure.

    When infection occurs, symptoms usually begin abruptly. Symptoms of EVD typically include: Fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding. Severe forms of the disease may lead to organ failure, shock and possible death. 

    State of Florida Actions

    The state of Florida is prepared to identify and ensure patients who may have EVD are isolated and have access to appropriate treatment. Looking forward, the Florida Department of Health and Florida Division of Emergency Management will continue to collaborate to ensure the health and safety of all Floridians. The Division of Emergency Management activated the state’s Joint Information Center, allowing state officials to share accurate, timely information with the public. Our first priority is to protect the health of Florida’s residents and visitors and ensure the safety of Florida’s families.

    Florida Department of Health Actions

    The County Health Department in each of Florida’s 67 counties has regular communication and interaction with hospitals, medical providers and laboratories to ensure that appropriate reporting and public health action is taken.  In the event that a patient suspected to have EVD is identified in Florida, the Florida Department of Health will collaborate with healthcare partners to ensure appropriate patient care and protocols for isolation and infection control are provided, provide EVD testing as appropriate, and identify and conduct a risk assessment of any potentially exposed persons (contacts).  If EVD infection is confirmed, the Florida Department of Health will ensure contacts are closely monitored for fever and symptoms of illness, and take appropriate actions to prevent further spread of EVD. 

    Ebola Fact Sheet (English)
    (En Español)
    The Florida Department of Health - November 10, 2014

    Ebola Virus Disease video
    The Florida Department of Health

Guidance for Floridians and Visitors

We Can Keep Communities Safe if Ebola Happens in Florida
(En Español)

The Florida Department of Health - January 20, 2015

Florida's Response to Emerging Infectious Disease (English)
(En Español)
The Florida Department of Health - October 14, 2014

Awareness Information for Travelers
The Florida Department of Health - January 20, 2015

Receiving Students or Staff from Areas Affected by Ebola
The Florida Department of Health - January 23, 2015

Florida Department of Health Online Newsroom

Is it Flu or Ebola?
The Center For Disease Control and Prevention

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Ebola page

Guidance for Health Care Workers

Safe Disposal of Ebola Patient Waste
The Florida Department of Health - November 5, 2014

T.E.A.C.H to Prevent Ebola Exposure
The Florida Department of Health - October 27, 2014

Personal Protective Equipment Guidance
The Florida Department of Health - October 31, 2014

Personal Protective Equipment for High Risk Situations video
The Florida Department of Health

Personal Protective Equipment for Low Risk Situations video
The Florida Department of Health

Emergency Department Screening Form
The Florida Department of Health - Version 3.2

Outpatient Clinic Screening Form
The Florida Department of Health - November 18, Version 3.2

Decision Algorithm to Assist with Identifying, Testing and Monitoring of Patients
The Florida Department of Health - November 18, 2014, Version 4.3

Fact Sheet for Medical Professionals
The Florida Department of Health - October 20, 2014

Contact Tracing Flyer
(En Español)

The Florida Department of Health - October 14, 2014

Ebola Awareness Information for Emergency Medical Services (English) - January 15, 2015
(En Español) - January 23, 2015
The Florida Department of Health

Health Care Actions for Ebola Flyer (English)
(En Español)
The Florida Department of Health - October 21, 2014

Guidance for Inpatient Care Management
The Florida Department of Health - November 05, 2014, Version 2.03

Guidance for Businesses with Employees Returning from Countries Currently Experiencing an Outbreak of EVD
The Florida Department of Health - November 18, 2014, Version 2.2

Guidance for 21-day County Health Department Monitoring of Travelers (Full version)
The Florida Department of Health - November 18, 2014, Version 2.4

Guidance for 21-day County Health Department Monitoring of Travelers (Summary version)
The Florida Department of Health - November 18, 2014, Version 2.4

Guidance and Information for Health Care Workers
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Interim Hospital Infection Control Guidance
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services Systems and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Patient Evaluation Checklist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Detailed Hospital Check List for Ebola Preparedness
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Guidance for Laboratories

Updated! - Specimen Collection, Packaging, and Shipping
The Florida Department of Health - December 22, 2014 

Updated! - Specimen Shipping Check List
The Florida Department of Health - December 22, 2014

Guidance for Clinical Laboratories Using FDA Authorized Diagnostic Assays for Ebola Virus Detection
Association of Public Health Laboratories - October 31, 2014

Guidance for Public Health

Decision Algorithm to Assist with Identifying, Testing and Monitoring of Patients 
The Florida Department of Health - November 18, 2014, Version 4.3

Consultation Form
The Florida Department of Health - November 20, 2014

Refugee Health Assessment Form
The Florida Department of Health - October 7, 2014

Ebola and the Refugee Health Program
The Florida Department of Health - October 7, 2014

Quarantine Wrap-Around Support
The Florida Department of Health - November 19, 2014

Videos

Ebola Virus Disease
The Florida Department of Health

Personal Protective Equipment for High Risk Situations
The Florida Department of Health

Personal Protective Equipment for Low Risk Situations
The Florida Department of Health

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