Ebola Outbreak
by Kenzie Grunst
Ebola in Sub-Saharan Africa
Although there is really only a couple "problem" countries now, Ebola is very serious. More than 10,000 cases of Ebola have now been recorded as the virus continues to spread. Outbreaks have occurred in Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, South Sudan, Uganda, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The current outbreak in West Africa is the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976. There have been more cases and deaths in this outbreak than all others combined. Out of the cases recorded in eight affected countries, almost 5,000 patients have died, with Liberia the worst hit. There are four strains of Ebola virus. They are named after the region where they were first detected: Bundibugyo, Tai Forest (previously known as Ivory Coast), Sudan and Zaire. The current outbreak is caused by the Zaire strain. This is the most severe strain, with a death rate of up to 90%.
Problem Countries
Just because it says "No Ebola" doesn't mean it's not there, it's just saying those other countries aren't a problem right now.
Ebola
What Ebola looks like.
Reported Cases
This is a map showing the reported cases in the problem countries.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Blood tests are the only way to firmly diagnose Ebola. Highly specialized equipment is required, and blood samples must be handled securely. Some people who have symptoms and exposures that meet case definitions are considered suspected or probable cases. It can be difficult to distinguish EVD from other infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever and meningitis. There is no vaccine to protect people from the disease. The current outbreak is spreading person to person, via bodily fluids. The virus is present in fluids like blood, vomit, semen, sweat, etc. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid direct unprotected contact with sick people and their body fluids. A range of potential treatments including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies are currently being evaluated. Although no licensed vaccines are available yet, 2 potential vaccines are undergoing human safety testing.
Some Symptoms
Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to Ebola, but the average is 8 to 10 days.