Ebola is one of numerous viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) transmitted through direct contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person or exposure to objects (i.e. needles) that have been contaminated with the infected body fluids. This virus can affect both humans and non humans (i.e.: monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). Studies are showing that this virus came from a bat.
Myths
- VHF (Ebola) can be transmitted through the air.
- Ebola came out of nowhere this year.
The Truth: Ebola did not just surface out of nowhere this year. Ebola was first discovered in
1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Ebola has a cure.
treatments for Ebola are under development, but they have not been fully tested.
- You will catch Ebola if you travel to Africa.
The Truth: Not necessarily. The places to avoid are Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone due to
the high level of Ebola cases. Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo have only
experienced a small number of Ebola cases so as long as precautionary measures are taken,
exposure should be limited.
Overall, it's all about protecting yourself so that we can diminish the spread of this awful virus. How you can accomplish this is to simply keep yourself clean. Wash your hands frequently; avoid contact with blood and body fluids of any person, especially someone who is sick; don't touch bats and non human primates or their blood and fluids.
For more information on how to properly treat Ebola and other great info on this virus, please check out our source, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
