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The 2014 EVD epidemic is the largest in history, affecting multiple countries in West Africa. The risk of an Ebola outbreak affecting multiple people in the U.S. is currently very low. EVD is transmitted through direct contact with blood and body fluids of a person infected by and already showing symptoms of EVD. When a contagion transpires in humans, the virus can be spread to others through direct contact by broken skin or mucous membranes, such as the eyes nose or mouth, with blood or body fluids such as urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen of a person who has been infected with the EVD. The uses of contaminated objects like needles and syringes or contact with the infected fruit bats or primates with EVD also are was of transmitting the virus. Ebola is not spread through the air, water, food, or mosquitoes. There is no proof that mosquitoes or other insects can transmit Ebola virus. Only a few species of mammals have shown the ability to become infected with and spread Ebola virus: humans, bats, monkeys, and apes. (CDC, 2014) When a person recovers for EVD, the virus is no longer able to be spread to others in a community. Although the virus cannot be spread in the community, it can be spread to a significant other through sexual intercourse, including oral. Ebola can remain in semen after recovery and it is suggested to remain abstinent for at least three months after a recovery. Condoms also help prevent the spread of EVD. (CDC, 2014).
Health care providers, family, and friends who come in close contact with patients infected with EVD are at the highest risk of contracting EVD because that often come in close contact with infected body fluids and blood while caring for the patient. The disease can spread quickly within healthcare settings like clinic or hospital. Exposure to Ebola can occur in healthcare settings where hospital staffs are not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and not following the proper protocol.