As first imported Ebola case is recorded in Europe, ECDC calls on EU member states to continue investing in preparedness

To assist in increasing preparedness during the current Ebola outbreak, the Centre has now developed an essential and practical checklist for national authorities to review internal procedures and strengthen system readiness, ensuring they can react quickly and effectively in case of need. 

In line with ECDC’s recent risk assessment, healthcare workers and others who are in direct contact with patients or local communities in the affected areas are more likely to be exposed to the virus. Ebola is only spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of people or animals with the infection (living or dead). The virus does not spread through the air and is generally not transmitted by coughing or sneezing. More information can be found in ECDC’s detailed Q&A and infographic. 

ECDC has already built up a considerable body of technical guidance on the current outbreak of Ebola disease, including risk assessment guidelines to support public health authorities after the identification of a case of Ebola disease, advice on infection prevention and control measures, and laboratory guidance and resources. More can be found on the dedicated webpage. The Centre commends the action taken by the French authorities so far and remains in close contact with them as the situation develops.