What is Ebola?
Ebola is a virus. It was discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in Africa. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa.
What are the symptoms of Ebola?
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Malaise
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
How is Ebola spread?
Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids (such as blood, saliva, urine, vomit, diarrhea, or sweat) of a person infected with the Ebola virus.
Can someone get Ebola from a person who is infected but not showing any symptoms?
No. A person must have symptoms to spread Ebola to others.
Is there a danger of Ebola spreading in the U.S.?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the risk of an outbreak in the U.S. is very low. As the Vermont Department of Health explains, Ebola is not easy to catch.
Is it safe to come to Grace Cottage Hospital and Grace Cottage Family Health?
Yes. The safety and health of our patients, families, visitors and staff is our absolute highest priority.
Are Grace Cottage Hospital and the State of Vermont prepared for an outbreak such as Ebola?
Yes. Grace Cottage Hospital is prepared to respond to any public health emergency, such as Ebola or any other potential health threat. While the likelihood that an Ebola patient will present at the ER or the clinic is low, we have systems in place to respond quickly and effectively and coordinate with our key response partners.
