The Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo appears to be spiraling out of control. Statistics indicate that 6,100 cases of Ebola infection have been reported, resulting in over 3,000 deaths. Furthermore, the rapid spread of the disease has become a cause for growing concern among the public.

Both children and adults need to exercise great caution to protect themselves from this virus. Let us understand the symptoms of Ebola infection, how it spreads, and how you can prevent it.

What are the symptoms of Ebola?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), symptoms of Ebola infection typically appear within 2 to 21 days of exposure. In most patients, symptoms begin to manifest within 8 to 10 days. Initially, the symptoms are mild—often referred to as "dry symptoms"—and include fever, body aches, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue.

As the disease progresses, the symptoms become severe—known as "wet symptoms"—and include diarrhea, vomiting, and internal bleeding.

How does Ebola spread?
The Ebola virus is not airborne; therefore, you will not contract the illness simply by having an infected person walk past you. It spreads only through direct contact with the body fluids of a sick or deceased person. Additionally, the virus begins to spread from an infected person to others only after they start showing symptoms of Ebola.

How can one prevent Ebola?
The most crucial rule for preventing this disease is to avoid contact with the urine, feces, saliva, sweat, vomit, breast milk, or amniotic fluid of any sick person. Additionally, avoid contact with the semen of a person who has recovered from Ebola until tests confirm that the virus has been cleared from their body.

Also, avoid touching the patient's clothing, needles, bedding, and body fluids. Furthermore, avoid contact with animals such as bats, wild deer, monkeys, and chimpanzees.

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