Download Ebola Frequently Asked Questions: Version 2 (Updated 1 December

Ebola Frequently Asked Questions: Version 2 (Updated 1
December 2014
This information is based on the factsheets and up to date information
provided by Public Health England
What is Ebola?
Ebola virus disease (previously known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever) is a rare
but serious infection
Since March 2014, there has been a large outbreak of Ebola virus in West Africa,
with widespread and intense transmission in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
This is the largest ever known outbreak of this disease prompting the World
Health Organization (WHO) to declare a Public Health Emergency of
International Concern in August 2014. Cases have also occurred in Senegal,
Nigeria, Mali, the US and Spain.
What is the risk to us in the UK?
Ebola virus is not found in the UK. Although the risk of imported cases is low, it
remains unlikely, but not impossible, that travellers or returning aid workers
infected in one of the affected countries could arrive in the UK while incubating
the disease, develop symptoms after their return and become infectious.
We have well-tested systems for dealing with any imported case of this type
of disease. Public Health England and NHS England have plans in place to
identify and promptly treat patients. We have robust prevention measures to
contain infection, including specialist units if needed.
In the event that an Ebola case is diagnosed within the UK the risk to the
public and health workers not involved in the direct care of affected patients
would remain low. However, it is important that LPT staff are aware of the
symptoms so they can bring a suspected case to the attention of medical
experts.
What are the signs of Ebola?
The early signs of infection with Ebola virus are a fever of >37.5 C, weakness,
muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This may be followed by vomiting,
diarrhoea, rash, and in some cases, bleeding.
Amanda Hemsley, Senior Nurse Advisor – Infection Prevention and Control
Kevin Robotham – Emergency Planning Manager
V2 1 December 2014
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Ebola should be suspected in patients presenting to primary care services who
have a fever of ≥37.5°C OR have a history of fever in the past 24 hours AND
have recently visited any of the affected areas (Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia
as of 25th November 2014) within the previous 21 days.
OR
Have a fever of ≥37.5°C OR have a history of fever in the past 24 hours AND
have cared for/come into contact with body fluids of/handled clinical specimens
(blood, urine, faeces, tissues, laboratory cultures) from an individual or laboratory
animal known or strongly suspected to have VHF.
How can you contract the virus and how is it spread?
Ebola is transmitted by direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an
infected person (alive or dead). People infected with Ebola can only spread
the virus to other people once they have developed symptoms, such as fever.
Even if someone has symptoms, it’s important to remember that the virus is
only transmitted by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected
person. The incubation period of Ebola ranges from 2 to 21 days.
Who is at risk?
Anyone who cares for an infected person or handles their blood or fluid
samples is at risk of becoming infected. Strict infection control procedures and
wearing protective clothing minimises this risk. Washing hands with soap and
water can destroy the virus.
Can you catch Ebola from breathing near an infected person?
No. Ebola cannot be transmitted in the air. It has to come from direct contact
with the bodily fluids of an infected person (e.g. saliva, mucus, vomit, faeces,
sweat, tears).
I am worried that I could catch Ebola from someone who is not showing
symptoms.
A person does not become infectious until they are showing symptoms. This
is why the guidance highlights the need to be vigilant in identifying ill looking
members of the public.
Amanda Hemsley, Senior Nurse Advisor – Infection Prevention and Control
Kevin Robotham – Emergency Planning Manager
V2 1 December 2014
2
Can you become infected from someone’s property?
This is very unlikely. If you maintain strict hygiene standards then there
should not be any transfer of germs from the member of public’s property to
your mouth.
Is washing my hands really going to stop the spread of Ebola?
Yes. Maintaining high standards of personal hygiene means that you kill any
germs you might contract from an infected person before you can ingest
them.
Should I use gloves for general patient contact?
The virus is not communicated by skin contact but by ingesting it. Gloves
would only be effective if they were changed after each contact with the
public. Public Health England advise that alcohol hand sanitiser is a more
effective way to stop transmission.
Should I use alcohol hand sanitiser?
Using alcohol hand sanitiser is generally considered to be good practice by
Public Health England to avoid communicable diseases. It will prove effective
against virus transmission, including the Ebola virus.
Should I be using any special precautions when seeing patients in my
day to day work?
For all routine care and for visits to patients in their own homes all Infection
Prevention and Control Procedures as outlined in the policies should continue
to be followed. If a risk of Ebola has been identified then additional Personal
Protective Equipment would be required (and you should seek advice
immediately, refer to LPT Ebola Action Card): Action Card for Community Staff
 Action Card for In-patients and health centres
 Action Card for Line Managers, On-Call Managers and LPT Directors
On-Call
Stringent and prudent use of personal protective equipment i.e. single use
gloves and aprons should continue to be used for all personal care, dealing
with blood and bodily fluids etc., eye protection must be worn (as per policy)
for those tasks deemed a potential risk of splashing.
Amanda Hemsley, Senior Nurse Advisor – Infection Prevention and Control
Kevin Robotham – Emergency Planning Manager
V2 1 December 2014
3
Should I wear a mask for general patient contact?
Masks are currently not recommended for general patient contact, maintaining
high standards of hand washing and the use of hand sanitiser can prove
effective in preventing infections
I have returned from an Ebola affected country or fear I may have been
exposed to Ebola. Should I tell anyone?
Before returning to work you must contact your Line Manager and the
Occupational Health Service to discuss your circumstances.
I would like to volunteer to be part of the UK health response in Ebola
affected countries.
In the first instance you should discuss this with your Line Manager.
Information can be found on the UK-Med website www.UK-med.org. If you are
planning to join in with this work, you should contact the Occupational Health
Service before you leave so that they are aware of your involvement.
On your return you will receive instructions from Public Health England on the
precautions to follow. You must also contact the Occupational Health Service
on your return as they will let you know when you can resume work.
Amanda Hemsley, Senior Nurse Advisor – Infection Prevention and Control
Kevin Robotham – Emergency Planning Manager
V2 1 December 2014
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