The spread of Ebola between people occurs only by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person after symptoms have developed.[1][3] Body fluids that may contain ebolaviruses include saliva, mucus, vomit, feces, sweat, tears, breast milk, urine, and semen.[23] Entry points include the nose, mouth, eyes, or open wounds, cuts and abrasions.[23] Contact with objects contaminated by the virus, particularly needles and syringes may also transmit the infection.[24] The virus is able to survive on objects for a few hours in a dried state and can survive for a few days within body fluids.[23] Ebola virus may be able to persist in the semen of survivors for up to seven weeks after recovery, which could give rise to infections via sexual intercourse.[1] Otherwise, people who have recovered are not infectious.[24] The potential for widespread infections in countries with medical systems capable of observing correct medical isolation procedures is considered low.[25] Usually when someone has symptoms, they are sufficiently unwell that they are unable to travel without assistance.[26]
Before 2014, Ebola was a disease that was mostly confined to remote African villages. Health officials didnt worry about it going global. Ebola first appeared in 1976 during twin outbreaks. By the time Ebola outbreak was identified in March, it had already spread to all three countries along the border. Nine countries hit with ebola in one year. There's never been an Ebola outbreak like this before.
