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The Ebola Virus: Separating Facts From Fiction

Updated Oct. 24, 2014

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A New York City doctor who tested positive for Ebola has many wondering about the deadly virus, and how it's spread.

Web Extra: Ebola Virus Facts From The CDC

CBS 2's Dr. Max Gomez separates fact from fiction about the Ebola virus.

Infectious disease experts in the U.S. have all said that while Ebola is lethal, it is not spread by casual contact.

It requires fairly close contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, sweat, vomit, and feces. For that reason, health care workers are gowned, gloved, and masked to prevent the virus from getting into their eyes, mouths, or any open sores.

With appropriate precautions, experts in the U.S. said we are safe.

"From a medical standpoint, the chance of this virus going out into the community is exquisitely small, and people should know that – that hospitals are well aware of this and adequately take care of a patient like this," said Dr. Robert Glatter of Lenox Hill Hospital.

Several hospitals around the country have reported patients showing Ebola and have taken precautions.

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