Deadly Ebola must be combated with western resources devoted to education, prevention, care, quarantine and development of a vaccine and cure
More than 729 people have died so far from the deadliest outbreak of Ebola virus in West Africa.
Ebola Virus Disease, also known as EVD, is a usually fatal virus (60%-90% of those who develop the disease will die. Those who survive may develop chronic inflammatory health problems of the joints and eyes). It leads to flu like symptoms (including fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, sore throat, headache, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function) and sometimes severe internal bleeding. It is only spread by contact with bodily fluids such as blood (can’t get it if an infected person sitting next to you sneezes), and the incubation period is from 2 to 21 days.
Ebola first appeared in Africa, simultaneously in Nazara (Sudan), and Yambuku (Democratic Republic of Congo), in a village near the Ebola River, which is how the disease got its name. Fruit Bats are believed to be the natural hosts of the virus. People started getting the disease by coming in contact with blood, secretions, organs and other bodily fluids of infected animals.
The US is working to bring two Americans (Nancy Writebol and Dr. Kent Brantly) infected by Ebola from Africa back to the US for treatment.
Dr. Tom Frieden, the CDC director, indicated that a widespread Ebola outbreak in the US “is not in the cards.” However, travel to West Africa is not recommended at this time and vigilance, if one comes in contact with infected people from that region, is highly recommended.
It is clear that education can help prevent the spread of the deadly Ebola virus. It is also clear that properly trained and equipped professionals can handle infected people, care for them and prevent further spread of the virus. The US, and other developed countries, should devote resources to accomplish those goals and prevent escalation of this health crisis and more deaths, as well as work on a cure and vaccine. Thoughts?
Photo: European Commission DG /Flicker
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Tsach,
Great idea to do current events bites. Really informative.
In regard to the Ebola virus, I’m a bit confused how they’re treating the Americans that they’re bringing back home since there is no cure. Assuming if you catch it in the early stages you can prevent it from spreading?
, I’m a bit confused how they’re treating the Americans that they’re bringing back home since there is no cure.
being treated at a toplevel facility in the usa would improve the patients chances of recovering.
also gives the usa doctors the chance to monitor and to try experimental procedures, therapies, and also to evaluate them more fuller as the patients are infront of them with state of the art medical equipment.
World must get together and do more to nip these diseases in the bud and provide the proper resources to control them early sop we avoid pandemics in the future.