With multiple reports daily about the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, many travelers are becoming nervous about their current travel plans. What happens if they cross paths with someone who may have Ebola? Are there any outward signs of the Ebola virus? And what should a traveler do if they think they have contracted Ebola?

With the flood of information that has come from the Ebola outbreak comes a number of myths about the virus.

In these situations, education on the facts is critical. Before you decide to cancel your travel plans based on something you heard, make sure you have the facts about Ebola. Here are three facts you need to know about Ebola before you pack up and go.  

Ebola is not an airborne virus

In October, a commercial airliner made an emergency landing after a passenger sneezed, and announced to all the passengers that he had Ebola. The situation ended after the aircraft landed, and hazmat crews escorted the passenger off the airplane and transported them to the nearest hospital. Can a potentially infected carrier transmit Ebola from a cough or sneeze?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Ebola is spread by direct contact with an infected person and their bodily fluids. This can include sweat, spit, mucus, and vomit. Ebola transmission can also take place through direct skin-to-skin contact with another person. However, Ebola is not spread by contact with food, air, or water.

Therefore: if you were to be coughed or sneezed upon by someone with Ebola, you are at risk of contracting the virus.

Without direct contact with an infected person, your risk of contracting Ebola is significantly lower.

Ebola isn't necessarily transmitted by sitting on an airplane

Many travelers are always concerned by the illnesses they can catch on an airplane. After all, re-circulated air in an airplane cabin is often blamed for illness. But if someone who potentially has Ebola leaves an aircraft, is it possible that they could leave the virus behind in their seat?

The Centers for Disease Control notes that the Ebola virus can live on surfaces for several hours. If a potentially infected person were to cough or sneeze on a surface, then it is plausible they could leave the virus behind. However, the CDC also notes that the Ebola virus is killed with hospital-grade disinfectants. And many airlines will refresh cabins between flights, with a more thorough cleaning at night.

Passengers who are concerned about contact with surfaces should carry hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in their carry on bags. Many disinfecting wipes are bleach based, and do not count as a 3-1-1 liquid, allowing you to thoroughly disinfect your seat and associated surfaces before you travel. On the other hand, hand sanitizer is considered a liquid, and needs to be packed with the rest of your 3-1-1 liquids. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are easy to get, and work best for cleaning your hands while traveling.

Ebola quarantines are different based on location

With the news that both New York and New Jersey are enacting mandatory quarantines for certain passengers exposed to Ebola, many people have a lot of questions. Will your flight be subject to quarantine - even if you are not traveling from an Ebola-affected country?

Travelers that are coming to the United States from an Ebola-affected part of West Africa, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea will be forced to travel through one of five airports. These airports include John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Chicago O'Hare Airport, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. From there, travelers will be subject to screening and possible quarantine.

While the Centers for Disease Control have released guidelines, quarantines are being organized on a state-by-state basis. While New York and New Jersey have mandated quarantine guidelines, the requirements may be different at other locations. Your airline or state Department of Health may be able to answer any questions you may have about quarantine procedures at your destination.

As with any emergency health situation, education is the best defense. By understanding what Ebola is and how it is affecting travelers, you can better prepare yourself for the road and make better decisions about your plans.

Ed. Note: The content contained on this page is not intended to be and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. For more information about medical content on About.com, see our Medical Review Board policies.