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Resources for Parents, Schools, and Pediatric Healthcare Professionals

Children holding hands We learn more about Ebola every day. Children can get Ebola, just like adults. In past outbreaks, case fatality rates for children were high, just like adults. However, fewer children were identified with Ebola than adults. This is likely because children are often separated from sick people and don’t serve as caregivers or participate in funeral rituals, which are high risk activities.

Children have unique physical, developmental, and social needs. It is also important to recognize their special mental health needs, because information about Ebola can be scary. Children may need help understanding what they hear about Ebola on the news or from their friends.

Information for Parents and Families

CDC, along with state and local public health departments, continues to take steps to help keep the risk low for everyone, including children. The following information can help parents, school administrators, and healthcare workers learn more about the physical and mental health needs of children during an Ebola outbreak. Below are a few resources to help parents learn more about Ebola so they can decide what information to share with children.

Information for Schools and Child Care Centers

Although Ebola is a very rare disease in the United States, CDC has developed guidance to address concerns and recommend actions K-12 schools can take to prevent transmission of Ebola, if needed. School officials should consult with appropriate state and local health officials on Ebola-related decisions.

Tools for K-12 Schools:

Tools for Head Start, Early Head Start, and Child Care Providers:

Information for Pediatric Healthcare Providers

We are working to learn more about the impact of Ebola on pediatric patients. The following publications may be helpful:

Preparing, Just in Case

Thankfully, the chances of having a patient in your care with Ebola are very low. However, it is always helpful to prepare yourself and your practice by having procedures in place to respond to concerns, provide appropriate care to patients, and protect yourself and staff. Here are some resources:

Information for Non-U.S. Audiences

Just for Kids

Just for Kids Check out this slide set explaining Ebola [PPT – 32 pages] – designed especially for middle school students!

illustration of colorful DNA strand behind the text - CDC uses next-generation sequencing to identify hemorrhagic fever viruses in bats

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