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Unlike common diseases like the common cold, flu, or measles, which spread easily through the air, the Ebola virus is primarily transmitted through direct contact. The virus does not spread before symptoms appear.
Among humans, the Ebola virus is transmitted only through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen from an infected person. The virus can enter the body through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Indirect transmission can also occur through contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Examples include:
* Bed linens
* Clothing
* Bandages, wound dressings
* Needles and syringes
* Medical equipment
* Towels
The virus can initially transmit to humans from infected wild animals (especially bats, primates, and forest antelopes) through direct contact with their blood or other bodily fluids during hunting or butchering.
How Is the Ebola Virus Transmitted?
Among humans, the Ebola virus is transmitted only through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen from an infected person. The virus can enter the body through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Indirect transmission can also occur through contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Examples include:
* Bed linens
* Clothing
* Bandages, wound dressings
* Needles and syringes
* Medical equipment
* Towels
The virus can initially transmit to humans from infected wild animals (especially bats, primates, and forest antelopes) through direct contact with their blood or other bodily fluids during hunting or butchering.