While the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa was already troubling, the fears of Americans have increased now that the first man with the virus in the US has died. The Ebola virus, or Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a disease that impacts humans and other primates. It begins with flu-like symptoms and can end with death as a result of internal/external bleeding and decreased function of the liver and kidneys. This information is in no way easy to stomach, but there’s even more you should know about the disease that has the world in a frenzy. Take a look at the facts below.
- The outbreak greatly affects countries in West Africa.
- Few entry points to the United States are screening for Ebola cases.
- Ebola is caused by an RNA or ribonucleic acid virus.
- Travel warnings were issued for Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
- The first symptoms of Ebola are similar to that of other, less deadly viral infections.
- Internal and external bleeding are common in later stages of Ebola.
- Of the 7,492 cases in the current Ebola outbreak, 3,439 people have died.
- The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved any treatments for Ebola, but that doesn’t mean scientists aren’t working as fast as they can to find a cure.
- Ebola is spread only through physical contact or bodily fluids.
- Despite how scary everything may seem, Ebola is not a risk to the general public in the United States.
Watch this video for more information on Ebola.
(via Everyday Health)
Be sure to keep washing those hands, people. Be careful out there!
