Communicable Disease Service

Report Confirmed or Suspect Cases Immediately to the Local Health Department.

Ebola is a severe, often fatal disease that can occur in humans and some animals. It is caused by an infection with a virus. Ebola is spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected, symptomatic person. It is also spread through exposure to objects (such as needles) that have been contaminated with infected secretions. Ebola is not transmitted through the air, food or water. It can also spread when people  have direct contact with dead bodies of people who dies from  Ebola or with infected bats, rodents, or primates. Symptoms may include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, red eyes, and bleeding outside the body. There is no specific medicine that cures people infected with Ebola.  People with Ebola will receive medical care such as fluids, oxygen,  blood transfusions, and any other medicines as needed. Early treatment is best.

• Frequently Asked Questions - Ebola [English] [Spanish]
• Frequently Asked Questions – Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers [English] [Spanish]

• CDC Information for Travelers

There are currently no designated Ebola outbreak areas for which health departments are recommended to follow-up with travelers.

• PPE for Ebola PUIs who are Clinically Stable and do not have Bleeding, Vomiting, or Diarrhea
• PPE to Manage Confirmed Ebola Patients or PUIs who are Clinically Unstable or have Bleeding, Vomiting, or Diarrhea
• Ebola - Donning and Doffing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (video)
• Recommendation for Safely Performing Acute Hemodialysis in Patients with Ebola Virus Disease in U.S. Hospitals
• NJDOH Recommended Personal Protective Equipment Levels
• Sequence for Putting on Personal Protective Equipment

• Ebola Testing Algorithm, NJDOH Recommendation Regarding FDA EUA Tests and Clinical Laboratory Testing (April 2021)
• Guidance for Collection, Transport, and Submission of Specimens for Ebola Virus Testing
• Guidance for Collection, Transport, Submission of Specimens for Ebola Virus Testing in the U.S. [Infographic]
• Guidance for Using Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Ebola (January 2020)

Archived Ebola information