How Ebola virus is spread

The Ebola virus is spread in the blood, body fluids or organs of a person or animal with the infection.

For example, it can be spread by:

• directly touching the body of someone with the infection who has symptoms or recently died – the virus can survive for several days outside the body
• cleaning up body fluids (blood, stools, urine or vomit) or touching the soiled clothing of an infected person
• handling unsterilised needles or medical equipment used in the care of the infected person
• having sex with an infected person without using a condom – studies show traces of Ebola may remain in a man's semen many months after he has recovered
• handling or eating raw or undercooked \"bushmeat\"

Ebola can't be caught through routine social contact, such as shaking hands, with people who don't have symptoms.