Ebola and the possibility of a widespread pandemic

1. Why does this issue need to be addressed? The contagion is spread through contact with the infected or via the exchange of bodily fluids, such as blood or saliva, or items like towels. Once it’s been contracted, Ebola kills up to 80% of its hosts, depending on how aggressive the strain is

2. Ebola easily kills many people. There have been 123 cases and 70 deaths as of 1 August.

3. It kills people.

4. Stop all traveling from Africa to the United states. Take precautions such as… Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid contact with blood and body fluids of any person, particularly someone who is sick. Do not handle items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids. Do not touch the body of someone who has died from Ebola. Do not touch bats and nonhuman primates or their blood and fluids and do not touch or eat raw meat prepared from these animals. Avoid hospitals in West Africa where Ebola patients are being treated. The U.S. Embassy or consulate is often able to provide advice on medical facilities. Seek medical care immediately if you develop fever (temperature of 100.4°F/ 38.0°C or higher) and any of the other following symptoms: headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bruising or bleeding

5. In other countries (like Africa) they might have to share towels or the same cups in a household or community that will spread Ebola quick . If someone in that community has it and someone drinks after him then the next person will get it and the cycle repeats. In each household we at least have multiple cups or towels and we have the supplies that we can buy to prevent Ebola.

6. Ebola is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes in, for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth) with ,blood or body fluids (including but not limited to urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, and breast milk) of a person who is sick with Ebola, objects (like needles and syringes) that have been contaminated with the virus infected fruit bats or primates (apes and monkeys) http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/transmission/index.html?s_cid=cs_3923 It doesn't fix the problem but it helps prevent it.