Ebola virus and Marburg virus

Prevention efforts focus on avoiding contact with the viruses.

The following precautions can help prevent infection and

spread of Ebola and Marburg.

Avoid traveling to areas of known outbreaks.

Before traveling to Africa, find out about any current

epidemics by checking the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention website.

Wash your hands frequently. As with other

infectious diseases, one of the most important preventive

measures for Ebola virus and Marburg virus is frequent

hand-washing. Use soap and water, or use alcohol-based

hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol when soap

and water aren't available.

Avoid bush meat. In developing countries, wild

animals, including nonhuman primates, are sold in local

markets. Avoid buying or eating any of these animals.

Avoid contact with infected people. In particular,

caregivers should avoid contact with the person's body

fluids and tissues, including blood, semen, vaginal

secretions and saliva. People with Ebola or Marburg are

most contagious in the later stages of the disease.

Follow infection-control procedures. If you're a

health care worker, wear protective clothing — such as

gloves, masks, gowns and eye shields. Keep infected people

isolated from others. Carefully disinfect and dispose of

needles and other instruments. Injection needles and

syringes should not be reused.

Don't handle remains. The bodies of people who

have died of Ebola or Marburg disease are still contagious.

Specially organized and trained teams should bury the

remains, using appropriate safety equipment.

Vaccine development

Scientists are working on a variety of vaccines that would

protect people from Ebola or Marburg viruses. Some of the

results have been promising, but further testing is needed.