4. PHYSICAL CONTACT IS THE PRIMARY MODE OF TRANSMISSION
The original spread in Africa began through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines. Humans become infected through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people.
Infection is also possible through indirect contact with environments contaminated with such fluids. It can be transmitted via contact with human corpses. One more thing that underscores the deadliness of the virus is that humans who have recovered from the disease can still transmit the virus via their semen for up to seven weeks after their recovery. Healthcare personnel are also susceptible if they fail to adhere to safety precautions in treating suspected or confirmed EVD patients.
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