Ebola! Ebola! Ebola! - What you need to know

With all of the news coverage that the Ebola Epidemic in Africa is getting, I hear questions daily from patients about what it all means.  Should we be worried?  Am I at risk?  Can I travel safely?  All of this is very reasonable.  So let me set the record straight on the reality of Ebola for us Rhode Islanders.

• To date, no one has become infected with Ebola within the state of Rhode Island.
• The only people considered at risk in Rhode Island are those returning from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone in the past three weeks (here is specific guidance for people coming from those countries).

• People with Ebola are NOT contagious until they show symptoms.
• Ebola is not spread through air, food, water, or casual contact with a person who has no symptoms.
• People traveling to Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, or other areas of Africa are not considered at risk of becoming infected with Ebola.
• Anyone can contact the RI Department of Health with questions or concerns at 401-222-8022.
• Visit the DOH's website for more detailed information.