Workplace health & safety
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The Ebola virus disease first appeared in 1976 in the Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The most recent outbreak occurred in West Africa in March 2014 and quickly spread in surrounding countries. Ebola spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected individual. ⋯ Appropriate personal protective equipment as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should be worn. No vaccine or antiviral drug has been approved, but vaccine trials are under way. Occupational health nurses play a key role in educating employees about this disease.