Ebola Virus

The outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (Ebola) in West Africa and recent cases here in the United States are serious. While it is very unlikely that Ebola will become an epidemic in the United States, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services is monitoring the situation and working very closely with federal and state agencies, local health care providers, hospitals, emergency personnel, and neighboring counties to plan for a rapid, coordinated response in the unlikely event a case appears in our county.

Did you know?

• There are only 3 countries with widespread transmission of Ebola – Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia.
• In the United States, there have been only 2 localized transmission of Ebola.
• There are have not been any cases of Ebola in Sonoma County or in California.
• Ebola is not as contagious as more common viruses such as colds, influenza, and measles.
• Ebola is only spread by direct contact with bodily fluids and does not spread through the air, water, or food.
• Ebola symptoms are similar to flu symptoms and typically include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and lack of appetite.
• Ebola does not spread from an infected person who does not have symptoms.
• Ebola symptoms may appear anytime from 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus, though 8 to 10 days is most common.

Unfortunately, as long as the epidemic continues in West Africa, there is a risk that sporadic cases will occur in US - either in travelers from those impacted countries or in relief workers returning home. These sporadic cases need to be rapidly identified and prevention measures instituted to ensure that the disease does not spread. The Sonoma County Department of Health Services is working closely with partners and we are prepared for a rapid and coordinated response.

As always, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services' mission and top priority is protecting the health and well-being of individuals and our communi