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Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever
June 2011
Ebola HF
What is Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever?
Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF) is a serious disease caused by one of the Ebola viruses. Although rare, Ebola viruses can cause outbreaks in humans with high death rates. The virus can infect both humans and animal species (e.g. monkeys, gorillas, pigs, bats etc.). There is no clinically approved vaccine available against EHF.
Cause
Four of the five Ebola virus species (Zaïre, Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire and Bundibugyo) cause illness in humans. Ebola viruses belong to the family Filoviridae.
Risk to Travellers
Risk for most travellers is low as outbreaks of EHF are very rare.
Depends on activities and possible exposure. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids including infected blood, secretions, semen or vaginal fluid. Risk increases with any of the following activities:
- Burial ceremonies in which there is direct contact with a deceased, infected body,
- Handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, pigs, porcupines, duikers or fruit bats (alive or dead),
- Nursing or treating EHF patients in a healthcare setting.
Severity
Depends on the species of Ebola virus.
The Zaïre, Sudan and Bundibugyo virus species have been associated with outbreaks in Africa with high death rates from 25% to 90%.
Prevention
- There is no vaccine approved for use in humans against EHF.
- Avoid direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of people with EHF or unknown illnesses.
- Avoid direct contact with bodies of people who died of EHF or unknown illnesses.
- Avoid close contact with or handling of chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, pigs, porcupines, duikers or fruit bats.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for EHF. Medication can be provided for relief of symptoms.
If infected, it is important to get treatment at a healthcare facility to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
Symptoms
- Can take two to 21 days to appear.
- Usually include high fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat.
- In more severe cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, decreased kidney and liver functioning, internal and external bleeding, and even death.
Transmission
- EHF is spread person-to-person through direct contact with bodily fluids (e.g., blood, secretions, semen, or vaginal fluid) of an infected person. It can be spread through:
- direct contact with an infected body of a deceased individual during burial ceremonies;
- nursing or providing health care (including home care) to an infected individual because contact with body fluids is frequent and sterilization of equipment may be unreliable;
- sexual contact with an infected person;
- an infected mother to her unborn or newborn baby.
- It can also be transmitted from animals to humans by handling infected chimpanzees, gorillas, monkey, forest antelope, pigs, porcupines, duikers or fruit bats (alive or dead).
Where is Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever a Concern?
- Ebola viruses that cause illness in humans are found in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Outbreaks are rare and sporadic.
- EHF outbreaks have occurred in the following countries: Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Sudan and Uganda.
- Countries with evidence of Ebola viruses that cause illness in humans include: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
A map of the areas where Ebola haemorrhagic fever occurs 
is available from the website of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Related Travel Health Notices
None
Recommendations to Travellers
- Avoid direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids of people with EHF or unknown illnesses.
- Avoid direct contact with bodies of people who died of EHF or unknown illnesses.
- Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.
- Avoid close contact with or handling of wild animals.
- The following animals may be carriers: chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, pigs, porcupines, duikers and fruit bats.
- Remember, both alive and dead animals can spread the virus.
- Avoid handling wild meat.
- Know the symptoms of EHF and see a health care provider if they develop.
- See medical attention immediately if a fever or any other symptom(s) consistent with EHF arise during or after travel.
- Be sure to tell your healthcare provider that you have travelled to a region where EHF was present.
Don’t Forget …
- Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
- What to do if you get sick when you are travelling.
- What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada.
- Know what vaccines you need and when to get them.
Other Related Information
WHO- Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever Fact Sheet
CATMAT- Fever in the International Traveller Initial Assessment Guidelines
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