Which of the following is a strategy to stop human-to-human transmission during an Ebola outbreak?

• A. Case identification for isolation/care; contact tracing; infection control; safe burials; health communication
• B. Vaccination of the entire population
• C. Case identification for isolation/care; contact tracing; infection control; safe burials
• D. Quarantine of all travelers

Answer: (C)

Stopping human-to-human transmission during an Ebola outbreak hinges on interrupting the main pathways that drive spread: infectious individuals, contact networks, and the funeral practices that can expose others. Identifying cases quickly and isolating them prevents sick people from transmitting the virus to others. Thorough contact tracing helps find people who were exposed and monitoring or isolating them before they become contagious, breaking chains of transmission. Strong infection prevention and control reduces spread in health care settings and the community, where transmission risk is high. Safe burial practices are crucial because deceased individuals can still transmit the virus through contact with their bodily fluids during traditional funeral rites. Vaccinating the entire population is not a practical or timely primary strategy for stopping an outbreak, and quarantining all travelers doesn’t address the immediate transmission dynamics or be feasible in real time. Together, identifying and isolating cases, tracing and managing contacts, enforcing infection control, and ensuring safe burials directly target the main transmission routes.