What Is Ebola Virus?
7. How Does the Infection Spread?
There are two ways the Ebola virus spreads: contact with an infected animal or person and contact with contaminated items or environments. Animals are the original carriers of the disease, meaning the first people with Ebola come in contact through butchering, eating, cooking or some other means. Once infected, people can transmit the disease through their bodily fluids or secretions.
Direct contact with an infected individual or animal is not the only way to get the virus. Indirect contact through the touching of surfaces or environments exposed to an infected person can also result in infection. However, the transmission usually happens when a healthy person has open wounds or the bacteria come into contact with mucous membranes. Try to avoid contact with clothing, bedsheets and other items belonging to an infected person to limit exposure and risk.
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