5 Things You Need to Know Before Talking to Your Kids About the Ebola Outbreak

Unequivocally no. First of all, Ebola is not an airborne disease. It spreads from animals to humans or from humans to humans via bodily fluids (blood, saliva, mucus, etc.) and surfaces that are contaminated with those fluids.

Though it sounds scary, the US health care system is designed to prevent the rapid spread of such diseases. Our doctors are educated in ways to prevent the spread and have protective gear (masks, gloves, gowns, etc.) to ensure that they don't catch the virus. Our hospitals are trained to isolate patients showing symptoms of the virus so no one else is exposed to it. They also have safety precautions like special disinfectants to clean themselves if they think they're exposed to someone with the symptoms.