To prevent Ebola virus disease, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.
- Pathogen reservoirs are the flying foxes or bats (Chiroptera, also fluttering animals) living in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Transmitters are non-human primates, rodents as well as flying foxes. Through contact with infected sick or dead animals, the disease is transmitted to humans. Transmission (route of infection) from person to person occurs through contact with blood or other fluids (saliva, semen, stool, etc.) of the sick person or the deceased (contact or smear infection) – especially medical personnel, laboratory personnel.
Note: Ebola virus can persist in the testis longer than previously thought. In an ongoing cross-sectional study, viral genes were still detectable in the ejaculate of a quarter of patients seven to nine months after the disease.
General prophylactic measures
- Compliance with quarantine regulations for imported animals.
