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Warning-sign checks

Ebola: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services or your designated public health number before entering a clinic or hospital.

    Explain your symptoms and possible exposure so staff can prepare safely.

    Avoid public transport and close physical contact while arranging care.

    Call emergency services immediately for severe bleeding, fainting, confusion, seizures, breathing difficulty, inability to drink, or signs of shock such as cold skin and extreme weakness.

    This requires urgent public health follow-up but is not the same as a medical emergency.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    If you develop fever, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding within 21 days of a possible Ebola exposure, seek urgent medical advice immediately.

    If you were exposed but feel well, contact the responsible public health team promptly and follow its monitoring plan.

    After recovery, seek prompt review for eye pain, vision changes, severe headache, new weakness, or worsening mental health.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine survivor follow-up is appropriate for stable fatigue or joint pain.

The article also says

Possible exposure includes contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed Ebola, infected body fluids, an unsafe burial, or an affected animal.

Relevant travel or healthcare work during an outbreak may also count.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ebola. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.