Joseph Olaleye

WHAT IS EBOLA Ebola, first appeared in 1976 also known as Ebola virus disease (EVD) and Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), is a viral hemorrhagic fever in humans and other primates, caused by ebolaviruses. Symptoms typically start anywhere between two days and three weeks after becoming infected with the virus. The disease kills between 25% and 90% of those infected about 50% on average. Death is often due to shock from fluid loss, and typically occurs between six and 16 days after the first symptoms appear. Fruit bats are believed to be the normal carrier in nature; they are able to spread the virus without being affected by it. Control of outbreaks requires community engagement, including rapid detection, contact tracing of those exposed, care for those infected, and proper disposal of the dead through cremation or burial. After a person recovers from Ebola, their semen or breast milk may continue to carry the virus for anywhere between several weeks to several months. Fruit bats are believed to be the normal carrier in nature; they are able to spread the virus without being affected by it. As the virus spreads through the body, it damages the immune system and organs. Ultimately, it causes levels of blood-clotting cells to drop. This leads to severe, uncontrollable bleeding. The disease was known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever but is now referred to as Ebola virus. HOW DO YOU GET EBOLA Ebola isn’t as contagious as more common viruses like colds, influenza, or measles. It spreads to people by contact with the skin, or body fluids of an infected animal, like a monkey, chimp, or fruit bat. Then it moves from person to person the same way. Those who care for a sick person or bury someone who has died from the disease often get it. Other ways to get Ebola include touching contaminated or surfaces. For example, it can be spread by: -Directly touching the body of someone who has symptoms -Or recently died from the disease -Cleaning up body fluids (blood, poo, urine or vomit) -Or touching the soiled clothing of an infected person The virus can survive for several days outside the body. Studies show traces of Ebola may remain in semen many months after recovery. You can’t get Ebola from air, water, or food. A person who has Ebola but has no symptoms can’t spread the disease, either. Ebola cannot be caught through routine social contact, such as shaking hands, with people who do not have symptoms.