EBOV is thought to infect humans through contact with mucous membranes or through skin breaks.

Bleeding from mucous membranes or from sites of needle punctures has been reported in 40 50 percent of cases.

Solid substances (powders) may become corrosive or irritant when moistened or in contact with moist skin or mucous membranes. .

For example, animal studies may provide useful information in terms of clinical signs of toxicity (dyspnoea, rhinitis etc) and histopathology (e.g. hyperemia, edema, minimal inflammation, thickened mucous layer) which are reversible and may be reflective of the characteristic clinical symptoms described above. Such animal studies can be used as part of weight of evidence evaluation