Ebola

     I'm sure you have all heard about the Ebola outbreak in Africa and the case that was discovered in Dallas, Texas. Like me, you're probably annoyed with all the publicity Ebola is receiving, when it doesn't effect us. However, how much do we know about Ebola? Trying to find an article with valid information regarding Ebola, I came across an article from National Geographic. I will try to get the point across by summarizing this article, but to learn more, you can click on the link above.
     First of all, let's discuss the symptoms associated with Ebola and how it is transmitted. Signs and symptoms of Ebola include fevers, GI pain, and unusual bleeding, often leading to fluid loss and organ shut-down. The first case was discovered in the 1970s in central Africa. It is believe that the virus evolved in bats, thus spreading to monkeys and humans. This virus is spread through the contact of bodily fluids with an infected individual. Examples of bodily fluids include saliva, urine, feces, blood, semen and other bodily secretions. However, this virus is not contagious until symptoms begin to show, i.e. fever.
     It is unlikely the virus will mutate to airborne transmission due to found evidence. This outbreak is worse than those of the past because the cases were unknown, thus means they were not confined and spread throughout, making this outbreak more serious. It is also unlikely Ebola will have an outbreak in the U.S. due to our advanced medical technology and equipment. In Africa, the villages may have hospitals, but do not always have access to clean water, electricity or medical equipment, such as isolation gear or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
     Although there is no treatment or vaccine for Ebola, the U.S. has been able to help treat it by providing IV fluids and electrolytes, maintaining oxygen levels and blood pressure, and treating other infections. October 1st, WHO calculated that 7,470 cases were diagnosed in West Africa, leading to 3,341 of those cases ending in death. However, they expected that some cases were unknown, causing numbers to rise by a factor of two or three. This means that there are closer to 10,000 cases in Africa.
     The U.S. is contributing more than $1 billion and 3,000 troops to help contain Ebola and treat the cases. It is expected to last six months to one year until the outbreak is controlled. If the outbreak is not controlled, it could lead to a bigger outbreak and more cases spreading around the world.

This is what the Ebola cell/ structure looks like.

Above is the incubation period of Ebola and the symptoms associated with it.