Explained: What to Do if You Get Ebola (Infographic)

Chart explains CDC's instructions for ebola patients — If you are exposed to the deadly Ebola virus, this is some of what the CDC tells you to do. (Image credit: By Karl Tate, Infographics Artist)

Travelers entering the United States from Ebola-stricken countries are given an instruction pack for self-monitoring (at right). The pack includes a digital thermometer, wallet cards and several information sheets.

Patients are instructed to be on the lookout for fever, headaches and body aches for 3 weeks. Patients check their temperature twice daily with the digital thermometer. If the temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or above, they should call their state health department or the CDC (or in an emergency call 9-1-1).

• Fever

• Headache

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Unexplained bleeding

or bruising

• Muscle pain

To stop an Ebola outbreak, doctors must first find and diagnose patients. The infected must be isolated. Anyone who came into contact with the infected individual must be monitored for three weeks. To prevent further infection, health care workers must follow safety precautions. Potential victims of Ebola should avoid eating bushmeat.

Karl has been Purch's infographics specialist across all editorial properties since 2010. Before joining Purch, Karl spent 11 years at the New York headquarters of The Associated Press, creating news graphics for use around the world in newspapers and on the web. He has a degree in graphic design from Louisiana State University.