The Ebola virus disease is currently raging in West Africa. It is a very severe virus with a high fatality rate. The survival rate from the Ebola virus is 10%. It affects humans and non-human primates.
Currently, there are 1,603 cases and 887 deaths, two cases have been identified as American health care professionals. They were both brought back to the U.S. and are currently at Emory University Hospital, in Atlanta.
How Does This Virus Spread?
This virus is spread human to human. Ebola virus can be contracted through bodily fluids and secretions, i.e. blood, vomit, stool, urine, saliva, and semen. It can also be contracted through broken skin and mucus membranes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Men who have recovered from the illness can still spread the virus to their partner through their semen for up to 7 weeks after recovery".
Symptoms may occur 2-21 days after exposure. The person becomes contagious once they start to show symptoms.
The Signs & Symptoms
vomiting
sudden onset of fever
rash
intense weakness
muscle pain
headache
sore throat
difficulty breathing
red eyes
hiccups
Some cases also experience:
internal and external bleeding
impaired kidney and liver function
There is no cure or vaccine for Ebola virus.
How To Protect Yourself
Limit travel to high risk geographic locations (West Africa)
If someone you know shows signs and symptoms, encourage them to seek medical attention immediately.
Practice clean habits such as washing hands, especially if exposed to bodily fluids and secretions.
Do the best you can, be happy, and use good judgement.
Happy healthy living!
Xoxo,
~Mary-Andree
www.cultureshocking.com
Here is a downloadable pdf with additional information from the World Health Organization.
References and Additional Resources
http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/index.html
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/ebola/en/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/wo...
http://online.wsj.com/articles/ian-li...
