Ebola virus disease
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a serious disease that is often fatal (causing death). It is caused by the Ebola virus. In the past EVD was called Ebola haemorrhagic fever.
You can become infected with (catch) the Ebola virus if you have direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or animal.
There have been no human or animal cases of EVD in Australia.
Signs and Symptoms
Early symptoms include fever, muscle aches, weakness and headache.
The next stage can include vomiting, diarrhoea, sore throat, and rash. There can be problems with the liver and kidneys.
The disease can cause failure of many different organs in the body. There can sometimes be severe internal and external bleeding.
Global Situation
Most cases of EVD have happened in African countries south of the Sahara. There have been EVD outbreaks most years since 2000. The largest outbreak was from 2014–2016 in West Africa.
Fruit bats are the natural host of Ebola virus. Outbreaks sometimes occur among other animals, such as chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, porcupines and forest antelope.
Ebola virus is not present in Australian bats.
Diagnosis
EVD is diagnosed with a blood test.
Other tests may be done to look for EVD, including a urine test, or a throat swab.
Treatment
Prompt treatment is key for survival. It is important for people who may have been exposed to EVD to seek immediate medical attention if they have signs and symptoms of EVD, or if they become unwell.
Treatment for EVD may include medicines and intensive medical care in hospital.
Transmission
The Ebola virus is spread through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or animal (alive or dead).
Body fluids are blood, urine (wee), saliva, faeces (poo), vomit, semen, breastmilk.
Ebola virus disease can be spread through sexual contact, including after recovery.
People at risk
- People who are living in, or travelling to and from, EVD affected countries within Africa. The risk of infection is low unless there has been direct exposure to the body fluids of an infected person or animal (alive or dead).
- People caring for ill relatives with EVD.
- People taking part in traditional burial ceremonies in affected areas of Africa.
- Healthcare workers, particularly those in resource-poor settings.
If you believe you have been in contact with a person who has Ebola virus, contact your local public health unit or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
Seek immediate medical attention if you become ill or feel unwell while travelling in EVD affected countries. Do not wait until you arrive back in Australia to see a doctor. Instead, you should see a doctor or go to the local hospital in that country to work out why you are ill.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have recently returned from an EVD-affected country, and become ill or feel unwell.
It is important that you ring ahead to your GP or the hospital. Mention your symptoms and which countries you have visited.
In Queensland, before seeing a doctor or going to the hospital, you should call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice.
Prevention
Visit Smartraveller prior to travel.
You can reduce the chance of being exposed to EVD when travelling to affected countries:
- Avoid direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person or animal (alive or dead).
- Practice careful personal hygiene. This includes regular hand washing.
There are 2 vaccines that may be used to prevent EVD. These vaccines are only available for restricted use.
If you are travelling to affected areas to work or volunteer in a public health or healthcare setting you should seek advice before you travel (in Queensland, you can call 13 HEALTH 13 43 25 84). You must be fully informed about infection control procedures and recommendations.
Help and assistance
For advice on current outbreaks visit Smartraveller or the World Health Organization.
Other helpful resources
World Health Organisation Factsheets: Ebola virus disease Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organisation; 2021 [updated 23/02/2021; cited 2022 15/08/2022].