The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have created stricter guidelines for the treatment of Ebola patients.
The changes target the protection of health care workers who treat infected patients and follow the infection of two nurses who cared for Thomas Eric Duncan, an Ebola patient in Dallas, Texas.
The new guidelines address three key areas: training and hands-on experience, preventing skin exposure, and strict observation of putting on and taking off Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Richard Condit, professor of molecular genetics and microbiology at the University of Florida, said the third step, specifically the removal of the PPE, is critical.
Removing the protective gear is particularly critical because "once you have it on, there are opportunities during that (removal) period that you are exposing your skin to contamination," Condit said.
The virus cannot spread unless it makes direct contact with an individual.
"Really, the only way to contract Ebola is through direct contact with bodily fluids from an individual who has an active infection," he said.
The chances of contracting the virus can vary depending on the length of exposure to an infected patient and the severity of the case.
Though it is impossible to contract the disease without being around an infected person, Executive Director of the Florida Nurse's Association Willa Fuller said education is the most effective form of prevention.
"It's important that the public be educated about this disease and learn how to protect themselves," she said.