Ebola

What is Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)?

Ebola Virus Disease (also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often-fatal disease in humans with fatality rates ranging up to 90%. EVD is a severe acute viral illness often characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Outbreaks of Ebola have occurred sporadically in parts of Africa, South America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

3M has received a number of inquiries regarding the appropriate personal protective equipment for potential exposures to EVD. The following two documents contain responses to many of the most commonly asked questions:
Ebola Global FAQ – View Full PDF (1 MB)

Ebola US FAQ – View Full PDF (862 KB)

For further information related to PPE use, please contact your local 3M Personal Safety Division Technical Services team. It is important to note the 3M FAQ is not a substitute for the guidance of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or your local health authority. Please consult those organizations’ websites for the most current information and infection control procedures regarding EVD.

Additional references:
NIOSH document "Eye Protection for Infection Control" (July 29, 2013)

WHO "Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Care of Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Filovirus Haemorrhagic Fever in Health-Care Settings, with Focus on Ebola."

United States CDC Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment To Be Used by Healthcare Workers During Management of Patients with Ebola Virus Disease in U.S. Hospitals, Including Procedures for Putting On (Donning) and Removing (Doffing)

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has published "Rapid Risk Assessment: Ebola virus disease outbreak in Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo-2018". 15 May 2018.

Fact Sheets & Technical Bulletins

3M Tech Data Bulletin #192 - Eye Protection for Infection Control (PDF, 91 KB)

3M Technical Data Bulletin #231 - Respirators and Surgical Masks: A Comparison (PDF, 158 KB)

Considerations in Selecting a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PDF, 75 KB)

OSHA® Fact Sheet: Protecting Workers during a Pandemic (PDF, 328 KB)

Key Differences Between Respirators and Surgical Masks (PDF, 68 KB)

3M Tech Data Bulletin #174: Respiratory Protection for Airborne Exposures to Biohazards (PDF, 362 KB)