Currently, Ebola is only concentrated in 3 countries, namely Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. Africa is a very big continent and is composed of 55 countries.
Yes, the three countries are located in West Africa but not all of West Africa has Ebola. When we hear the news, it seems that all West African countries are infected with the disease. Ghana, Niger, Ivory Coast, Gambia belong to West Africa but not a single case of Ebola is seen there.
It was really a scare when I had to go back to work during the time when the transmission of the disease was very rapid. Rapid enough to affect nearby villages in just a couple of days.
Small knowledge is dangerous and will lead to unnecessary worry, so I read more. A person infected with the disease cannot travel, because he is so sick to travel. That rules out sick airplane passengers (thank God). Symptoms include sudden onset of vomiting, dizziness, rash, headache, fever, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The virus is transmitted through contact with body fluids of infected persons. The virus resides in the blood, nasal secretions, urine, vomitus, stool, ejaculate and even sweat. You can also get infected by touching objects harboring the virus. The virus is not spread through the air. The incubation period (the time from getting the virus to manifestation of symptoms) is 2-21 days, averaging at 7-9 days.
This disease is very deadly, 50%-90% of cases result in fatality.
Some airports use a screen monitor to detect passengers with a high temperature. Furthermore, many airlines have temporarily banned destinations to affected countries. If you see any sick person in the airport or any public transportation better keep your distance just to be sure.
Yes, Ebola is scary but only concentrated in the three aforementioned countries. Let us hope and pray that the epidemic will be resolved soon.
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