St. Olaf College is monitoring, and receives updates from, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the Ebola virus outbreaks in Africa.
- We will continue to monitor advisories and decide (based on CDC recommendations) on what is prudent in terms of travel in the months to come.
- See this instructional chart if you are concerned that you have come in contact with Ebola.
- As for all international travel, individuals planning to study abroad or travel overseas should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel recommendations, and should check the CDC Traveler’s Health website for updates on travel notices for specific diseases and countries.
Ebola: Key Facts
Ebola is highly infectious but it is not a respiratory disease like the flu; therefore, it is not transmitted through the air and is not considered highly contagious. The risk of catching Ebola is extremely low because it is only spread by someone who has:
- Been to an area within the last 21 days where Ebola disease is occurring, AND
- Been in contact with blood or body fluids of a person who has Ebola, AND
- Become sick with Ebola (high fever, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms).
- Please read this link for additional info on transmission of Ebola.
If Returning From West Africa: As an added precaution, the CDC advises that persons returning from an affected area who have not had direct contact with the body fluids of symptomatic infected persons or animals, or objects that have been contaminated with body fluids, should still monitor their health for 21 days. Those with a potential exposure should monitor their health for 21 days post exposure. Regardless, any traveler who becomes ill, even if only a fever, should consult a health-care provider immediately.
If You Plan to Travel to West Africa:
Members of the College community should heed the CDC and U.S. State Department’s Advice for Study Abroad, Foreign-Exchange, or Other Education-Related Travel.