Ebola Outbreak

Ebola has the second highest mortality rate of any disease known to man, chances of survival in epidemics can reach as low as 30%.And it's not irrational to be scared of the Ebola virus, however unless you are traveling, or have recently been to west Africa you're probably not going to get Ebola and shouldn’t really be scared of it.

Ebola, or specifically Ebola Virus disease is a form of hemorrhagic fever caused by the Ebola virus, it causes the infected person to experience symptoms such as vomiting, muscle weakness, white and red spots and their tongue going red. This is followed by blood clotting which causes in turn blocks arteries and veins which results in the slow deterioration and eventual failure of all major organs. This can all happen in less than 16 days and with no cure Ebola isn’t to be taken lightly.

However despite the nightmarish effects of Ebola you aren’t really at much risk, this is mainly because ebola can only spread through direct contact with bodily fluids this means touching the vomit, blood, saliva, etc of an infected person, and as we live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world with one of the most robust healthcare systems people diagnosed are isolated and their bodily fluids are unlikeWhy you shouldn't be afraid of Ebola.

West Africa is currently gripped by an epidemic of the 2nd most deadly disease known to man, reaching a mortality rate of 70ly to come into contact with other humans. Even being on a plane with an infected person is relatively low risk as the virus is unable to go airborne and only if that person vomits or spits on you are you likely to become infected. Ebola isn’t the flu one infected person is only likely to infect up to about one other person compared to measles which can infect up to 18 people per person.

Ebola isn’t a threat to you or me, but in places like west africa there health systems can't cope with the virus and the infection rates are only rising due to poor hygiene and lack of funding.

Their health systems are being pushed to breaking point and international intervention is the only way to combat the disease, and with Uk troops landing in the area and work on the cure only increasing humanity may soon see Ebola as a thing of the past.

By Joshua Jackson