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)

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)

Ebola virus disease, ECDC

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 (PDF, 158 KB)

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

Key Differences Between Respirators and Surgical Masks (PDF, 234 KB)

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