About Ebola

Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever which is only spread through direct contact with a symptomatic person’s body fluids. There should be an index of suspicion of Ebola if a patient presents with compatible symptoms (including fever >=100.4F or 38.0C) AND has traveled to an Ebola-affected country in the past 21 days. Ebola does not have airborne transmission and is easily killed in the environment and on surfaces by using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectants.

Important detailed guidance on how to triage a patient meeting clinical symptoms, preparing and submitting samples and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) can be found below.

Clinician Information Sessions

Maine CDC Clinician Update on 10/18/2022: Ebola Outbreak in Uganda and Preparedness in Maine (PDF)

Information for First Responders

• Maine Regional Ebola Assessment, Care, and Transport Plan (Word)
• Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 911 Emergency Communications Centers/Public Safety Answering Points for Management of Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) for Ebola Virus Disease in the U.S.
• Guidance on Air Medical Transport for Patients with Ebola Virus Disease
• Interfacility Transport Guidance

Assessment of Suspect Cases

Assessment Guidance

• Screening Patients for Ebola
• Epidemiologic Risk Factors to Consider when Evaluating a Person for Exposure to Ebola Virus
• Interim Guidance on Risk Assessment and Management of Persons with Potential Ebola Virus Exposure
• Considerations for Discharging People Under Investigation (PUIs) for Ebola Virus Disease

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance
• Web-based PPE Training
• Video: Respiratory Protection for Ebola

Specimen Collection and Submission

• Collection, Transport, and Submission of Specimens for Ebola Virus Testing
• Packaging and Shipping Clinical Speciments Diagram

Guidance for Hospitals

Infection Prevention and Control

• Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for U.S. Hospitals
• Interim Guidance for Preparing Ebola Treatment Centers
• Ebola Preparedness: Emergency Department Training Modules

Cleaning, Disinfection, and Waste Management

• Guidance for Cleaning, Disinfection, and Waste Management for Hospitalized Patients Under Investigation for Ebola Virus Disease

Clinical Management

• Ebola Virus Disease Information for Clinicians in U.S. Healthcare Settings
• Clinical Management in U.S. Healthcare Settings Including Special Populations

Guidance for Other Healthcare Providers

• Ebola Guidance for Outpatient and Ambulatory Care Settings

Recommendations for Travelers

• Guidance for Travelers on Ebola Risk and Prevention
• Ebola Recommendations for Organizations Sending U.S.-Based Healthcare or Emergency Response Workers to Areas with Ebola