Public Employee Press

DC 37 fact sheet
EBOLA

Attention DC 37 Factsheet: Ebola 2014 (PDF format*)

What is Ebola?

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe and often fatal disease in humans. The disease is caused by infection with an Ebola virus. The current outbreak of Ebola is located in West Africa, specifically Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ebola cases found outside of West Africa are the result of direct contact with people who were originally infected within West Africa.

How do workers become infected with the virus?

Ebola spreads through human-to-human transmission. Human-to-human transmission occurs when there is direct contact. Direct contact happens when mucous membranes or broken skin come in contact with the blood, secretions, or other bodily fluids of either a person sick with EVD or a person who has died of EVD.

The Ebola virus can also be transmitted to humans through indirect contact. Indirect contact occurs when broken skin or mucous membranes comes in contact with materials, utensils or surfaces contaminated with blood, secretions or other bodily fluids from sick people and/or bodies. Mucous membranes include lips, nostrils, mouth, eyes and genitals.

Materials, Utensils and Surfaces That Can Be Contaminated:

• Used gloves
• Masks
• Goggles
• Bed linens
• Used needles
• Medical instruments
• Solid surfaces

Quick facts

People who have become infected can begin to show symptoms two days after infection OR up to 21 days after infection.
You can only get Ebola from touching bodily fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola, or from exposure to contaminated objects, such as needles.
You can’t get Ebola through air, you can’t get Ebola through water, and you can’t get Ebola through food.

What are the symptoms of Ebola? (Individuals are contagious once they show symptoms.)

Preliminary Symptoms at Onset (2-21 days)
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Headaches
• Sore throat

Disease Symptoms (Symptoms change as the illness progresses)

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Impaired organ function
• Hemorrhaging (bleeding or bruising)

How can you protect against infection in the workplace?

Practice Careful Hygiene
Keeping hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection and illness. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always refrain from touching your mouth, eyes, and nose with unwashed or gloved hands.

Understand Your Employer's Procedures and Protocols
Be aware of your level of risk in terms of exposure and what your employer has done to keep you safe.
Attend all trainings, simulations and demonstrations provided to you to protect yourself against infection.
Know whom to contact if you have any questions regarding the procedures and protocols that are in place to keep you safe.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Your employer is responsible for providing employees, at all levels, with PPE that is appropriate for their daily tasks. Employers must also provide employees with specific training sessions that explain to each employee how to don (put on) and doff (take off) their PPE appropriately to prevent contamination. Attend these trainings and practice.

If you have concerns or questions, please contact your union representative.
For general information, please call the DC 37 Safety and Health Department at 212-815-1685.

Source: DC 37 Safety and Health Dept.