CDC is working with the World Health Organization (WHO), the ministries of health, and other international organizations in response to an outbreak of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever in West Africa, which was first reported in late March 2014. This is the largest outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) ever documented and the first recorded in West Africa.

For the latest information on the outbreak, see the 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa highlights. This document provides interim guidance for laboratorians and other healthcare personnel collecting or handling specimens in the United States on appropriate specimen collection, transport and testing of specimens from patients who are suspected to be infected with Ebola virus.

Read the CDC interim guidance here