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What family members should do first
If you may have been exposed to Ebola, family members should stay calm and act quickly. The most important step is to contact the NHS 111 service or a local healthcare provider for urgent advice, especially if you have recently returned from an area where Ebola has been reported.
Do not try to care for the person at home without guidance. Ebola is a serious infection, and health professionals need to assess the risk and tell you what to do next.
Keep distance and avoid direct contact
Family members should avoid close physical contact with the exposed person until they have been assessed. This includes hugging, kissing, and sharing bedding, towels, cutlery, or cups.
If the person has symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unusual bleeding, avoid contact with any bodily fluids. Gloves may be used if a contaminated item must be handled, but this should only be a short-term measure while waiting for professional advice.
Follow public health advice immediately
Public health teams may advise the exposed person to stay at home and monitor their health for a set period. Family members should help them follow this advice carefully, including checking temperature if recommended.
If healthcare workers or public health officials give instructions about testing, isolation, or hospital assessment, follow them exactly. In the UK, prompt reporting and cooperation help protect everyone in the household and the wider community.
Watch for symptoms and act fast
Family members should know the early signs of Ebola, which can include fever, headache, muscle pain, tiredness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Symptoms may start suddenly and can worsen quickly.
If any symptoms appear, call 999 immediately and say that Ebola exposure is possible. Do not use public transport or go to a GP surgery, walk-in centre, or A&E without warning staff first.
Protect others in the home
Keep the exposed person in one room if told to isolate, and use a separate bathroom if possible. Limit visitors and avoid unnecessary contact with other household members.
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after any contact with the person or their belongings. Clean surfaces carefully using approved household disinfectants if advised by health professionals, and wash contaminated laundry separately.
Look after yourself and get support
It is normal for family members to feel worried or stressed. Try to get clear information from the NHS or public health officials rather than relying on social media or rumours.
If you have been told you are a close contact, you may also need to monitor your own health. Follow any advice about work, school, travel, and childcare, and seek support if anxiety is becoming difficult to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Family members should avoid close contact with the exposed person, contact local public health or a healthcare provider immediately, and follow instructions for monitoring, testing, and possible quarantine.
Family members should contact a healthcare provider, local health department, or emergency medical services if the exposed person has symptoms or a high-risk exposure and needs urgent guidance.
Watch for fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising, and seek medical care right away if any appear.
Family members should follow public health instructions, limit close contact with others, stay home if advised, and separate from the exposed person if that person is under monitoring or sick.
If caring for a potentially exposed or symptomatic person, family members should use any protective gear recommended by health officials, such as gloves and a mask, and receive instruction on safe use.
Home care should only happen if public health or medical professionals say it is safe; otherwise, the person should be managed by trained healthcare workers in an appropriate setting.
Family members should avoid touching body fluids, clean and disinfect surfaces only as directed by health authorities, and use approved disinfectants and protective supplies.
Seek emergency help immediately if the exposed person develops fever or severe symptoms, has trouble breathing, becomes confused, collapses, or shows any bleeding or shock signs.
Family members should monitor the exposed person for the full incubation period directed by public health officials, which is typically up to 21 days after the last possible exposure.
Handle bedding and laundry only if instructed by health officials, avoid shaking items, wear protection if directed, and wash and disinfect items according to approved guidance.
Travel should be avoided or delayed if public health officials recommend monitoring, isolation, or movement restrictions, because travel can increase the risk of spreading infection.
They should notify public health authorities, follow monitoring instructions, watch for symptoms, and avoid unnecessary contact until they are told it is safe.
Testing is usually determined by health officials based on the level of exposure and symptoms, so family members should not self-order tests but instead follow official guidance.
Keep children away from any exposed or symptomatic person, follow public health directions for monitoring and school attendance, and seek care promptly if symptoms develop.
Family members should ask public health or veterinary officials for guidance, since instructions may vary depending on the situation, and should avoid unnecessary contact if a person is sick.
Family members should get information from trusted health authorities, follow a clear monitoring plan, and focus on practical steps rather than rumors or unverified advice.
They should explain the date, type, and location of exposure, whether the person has symptoms, and any contact with body fluids so clinicians can assess the risk quickly.
They should follow public health guidance, which may require staying home, monitoring for symptoms, or reporting exposure before returning to work or school.
Use the bathroom only as advised by health officials, avoid contact with body fluids, clean high-touch surfaces carefully if instructed, and wash hands frequently.
Family members may need daily symptom checks, temperature monitoring, regular contact with public health staff, and prompt medical evaluation if any symptoms appear.
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