Keeping Your Family Safe
Situation Update
There is no Ebola currently in South Sudan. The health authorities in Uganda declared an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Sudan virus (SUDV) on the 20 September 2022, after a case was confirmed in a village in central Uganda.
Sudan virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans. Sudan virus was first reported in southern Sudan in June 1976, since then the virus has emerged periodically and up to now, seven outbreaks caused by SUDV have been reported, four in Uganda and three in Sudan. The virus has no vaccine or treatment yet.
Due to the proximity and the nature of the massive movements of people and goods from Uganda to South Sudan, South Sudan government has put measures in place to minimize or prevent the spread of the virus to the Country.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Ebola?
- Is an infected person contagious even if symptoms have not appeared?
- What are the symptoms of Ebola?
- Can a person with Ebola survive?
- If a person infected by Ebola survives, is she/he contagious?
- Can Ebola be transmitted by saliva?
- Can Ebola be transmitted by sweat?
- Can Ebola be transmitted by shaking hands?
- How should I greet people, if the handshake is not recommended?
- What distance do I need to keep away from people suspected of having Ebola?
- Why should I not eat bush-meat?
- Can Ebola be in fish, chickens, goats or cows?
- What do I do if I think I have Ebola?
- Can I call a hotline or send an SMS to report suspected cases of Ebola?
- Can I care for a suspected person with Ebola at home?
What is Ebola?
Ebola is a killer disease caused by a virus. Ebola virus is spread by contact with bats and monkeys and also by contact with a person infected by the Ebola virus. Ebola spreads quickly from person to person, kills in a short time BUT can be prevented. With early medical treatment the death rate can be significantly reduced.
Is an infected person contagious even if symptoms have not appeared?
A person infected with Ebola is not contagious before the symptoms appear.
The incubation period is 2 to 21 days.
What are the signs and symptoms of Ebola?
A person suffering from Ebola presents the following signs and symptoms:
- High fever (brutal and prolonged)
- Abdominal pain
- Joint or body pain (especially the chest)
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Headache(s)
- Nausea, vomiting (can be bloody)
- Diarrhea (can be bloody)
- Dehydration (no tears, dry tongue, sunken eyes).
- Rash
- In some cases, bleeding from the mouth, eyes, nose, ears and anus. It is important to note that a person is contagious only when they begin to have one or more signs of the disease.
Can a person with Ebola survive?
Yes. The chances of survival increase significantly if an infected person seeks medical treatment early.
If a person infected by Ebola survives, is she/he contagious?
No, before returning home, Ebola patients WILL have their blood tested in the laboratory to ensure that the virus is no longer in their body. However, people who have recovered from the illness should NOT have sex for at least three months unless they use condoms.
Can Ebola be transmitted by saliva?
Yes. The Ebola Virus can be transmitted by saliva and other bodily fluids such as stool, urine, semen, vaginal secretions, runny nose, as well as blood. When these fluids get in contact with broken
skin, the eyes or the mouth of other people, they can get the Ebola virus.
Can Ebola be transmitted by sweat?
Yes. Any body fluids of an infected person including sweat have the Ebola virus.
Can Ebola be transmitted by shaking hands?
Yes, shaking hands with a person infected with Ebola transmits the disease.
How should I greet people, if the handshake is not recommended?
Hand shaking should be avoided as it is a risk during an Ebola outbreak or before a potential outbreak. You can greet people by waving to them or acknowledge by shaking your head. It is very important to wash your hands with soap and clean water regularly.
What distance do I need to keep away from people suspected of having Ebola?
Specific distance does not matter. Ebola is transmitted by contact with body fluids from an infected person. However, if you know any person suspected of Ebola, please report to the nearest health facility as soon as possible and listen to the advice from the health workers. Avoid touching and handling objects that have been used by a person suspected of having Ebola.
Why should I not eat bush-meat?
Do not eat bush-meat during an Ebola outbreak. Wild animals are the source of the Ebola virus. Monkeys, chimpanzees, bats and all dead animals found in the bush must NOT be touched or eaten.
Can Ebola be in fish, chickens, goats or cows?
No. There is no evidence linking Ebola and fish or domestic animals such as chickens, goats and cows. It is only bush meat that is dangerous.
What do I do if I think I have Ebola?
There is no specific medicine for Ebola. Go to the nearest health facility for treatment early if you think you have Ebola. Your chances of survival and recovery are much higher if you seek early treatment and care from qualified health workers. You will receive supportive care and treatment of specific symptoms to improve survival.
Can I call a hotline or send an SMS to report suspected cases of Ebola?
Yes, you have the responsibility to prevent the spread of Ebola by reporting all suspected cases immediately to the nearest health facility or call the Ministry of health hotline number 6666 available 24 hours a day. Hotline 2222 is available Monday to Friday, 8AM to 4PM. Both are available free of charge.
Can I care for a suspected person with Ebola at home?
No, you are endangering the lives of your loved ones, your own life and those of the community, because the disease can easily spread from one person to another. Persons infected with Ebola must be treated and cared for at the health facility/hospital