Q: When watching the news regarding Ebola, you see them spraying something on people. What is that? Also, how is Ebola spread?
—Kathy Piska, Marietta
A: Workers wearing protective gear often are sprayed with heavily chlorinated water or a combination of chlorine and bleach when they enter and leave Ebola treatment centers in Africa. The mixtures, which are carried in tanks to be used where needed, kill the Ebola virus.
Ebola is spread through bodily fluids, such as blood, sweat, saliva, urine, feces, breast milk and semen, but must have an entry point into the body, like a cut, or through someone’s nose, mouth or eyes. Blood, feces and vomit are the most infectious fluids, according to the World Health Organization.
Ebola can be spread through surfaces and materials, such as bedding and clothing that have been contaminated with the fluids, but the virus isn’t airborne. “This is not like flu. It’s not like measles, not like the common cold,” Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told the Associated Press. “It’s not as spreadable, it’s not as infectious as those conditions.”
Q: If mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus, can they also carry the Ebola virus?
—David Hackney, Gainesville
A: Only mammals, such as humans and monkeys, for example, can spread the Ebola virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states on its website. "There is no evidence that mosquitoes or other insects can transmit Ebola virus," it states. "Ebola can't get into mosquito saliva, so mosquitoes don't transmit it," the New York Times reported.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
About the Author
