Ebola Outbreak

Arpan Biswa
Professor Bahel
English 1101
October 24, 2014
Ebola Outbreak 2014 In March 2014, West Africa suffered for a first time from the most deadly epidemic disease called Ebola since it was discovered in 1976. Ebola is a viral disease caused by virus called Ebola which is named after the Ebola River in Zaire. “Ebola virus, having five known subtypes, is part of the family of filoviruses and causes the infectious disease Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Tekman)”. According to WHO, a total of 9216 confirmed, probable, and suspected cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) have been reported in seven affected countries (Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, and the United States Of America up to 14 October,
With the progress of infection, patients experience acute bleeding and coagulation abnormalities such as a rash and gastrointestinal bleeding. In Western Africa funeral is the major source of transmission of this disease since majority of Islam practice the burial of a body. Experimental vaccines and treatment of Ebola are being tested on animals now, therefore danger comes from the fact that if it got widespread it would definitely cost a lot to stop it. Although person recovered from Ebola cannot transmit virus to others directly but it stays in semen for longer duration so there is possibility of transmission through sexual intercourse. Symptoms usually includes high fever, joints and muscles pain, stomach pain, sore throat, weakness. According to WHO, as disease gets worse it causes bleeding inside the body, as well as from the eyes, ears, and nose. Some people will vomit or cough up blood, have bloody diarrhea, and get a rash. In fact, early detection of symptom and isolation of patient is best possible way to prevent further death and widespread
In a world knit together by planes, ships and cargo ships, failure to control Ebola in West Africa means more cases in other countries including America. Furthermore, if Ebola virus spreads to other poor countries how do those country can hope to deal with that condition? Ebola is now much more challenging problem. Scientists have confirmed that recent Ebola outbreak is possibly due to consumption of bush meat like monkeys and fruits bats since human share 99% of DNA with monkeys and other apes. “Ebola transmits through direct contact, blood or body fluids, objects (like needles and syringes) that have been contaminated with the virus, infected animals (WHO)”. Ebola can easily transmit within hospital and clinics where hospital staffs aren’t covering their body parts with protective wear, gloves, mask and eye protection. As travelling is rapid in today’s world Ebola virus can definitely travel from one country to another. “One travel-associated case was diagnosed in the United States on September 30, 2014. On October 12, 2014, a healthcare worker at Texas Presbyterian Hospital who provided care for the index patient has tested positive for Ebola (CDC)”. Airport authorities are strictly carrying out medical screening to detect Ebola virus in infected passengers; despite this, Ebola is taking different unknown routes to cross the border of new