What you need to know about Ebola

Ebola Backgrounder

There has never been a case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Canada.

In areas where Ebola is present, the virus can spread through:

• contact with infected animals
• contact with blood, body fluids or tissues of infected persons
• contact with contaminated medical equipment such as needles

As long as appropriate precautions are taken, there is low risk of contracting Ebola in a country where the disease is present. Exposure can occur in areas where EVD is present when health care staff do not wear appropriate protective equipment such as masks, gowns and gloves.

EVD is not present in Canada, but health care workers should still follow proper infection control protocols. If you are concerned about the level of training or preparedness in your worksite, you should contact your HSA Occupational Health and Safety Committee Representative or Steward.

A key element in Ebola preparedness is keeping yourself up to date. The Public Health Agency of Canada website provides detailed EVD information including causes, symptoms, risks, treatment and prevention. Their website also provides links to various other EVD resources. Ebola resources are also available from the BC Centre for Disease Control and the U.S. Center for Disease Control.

The US Center for Disease Control has also released fact sheets on hospital preparedness.

WorkSafeBC 's manual, "Controlling Exposure: Protecting Workers From Infectious Disease", is another valuable resource.

Please check the HSA website regularly, and make sure to follow us on Facebook and twitter. We will post the most current information available.