These Ebola virus facts shed some light into the scary outbreak that has claimed many lives in West Africa. Vigilance is always key to prevention. Know what these facts are by reading on.
1. Ebola virus is not uncontrollable (Vox). People could consider this first Ebola virus fact to be the most relieving of them all. This is not the first time that the world has experienced an outbreak from this type of virus.
Actually, as Vox shared, there are 33 recorded outbreaks so far. And in the past, health authorities have succeeded in preventing it from getting worse, or better yet, put a stop to it altogether. However, the present outbreak in West Africa has proven to be more challenging than the previous. Its rapid dissemination has been attributed to several factors.
How to stay safe:
Ebola is transmitted through physical contact. It is not air borne, so people will not catch the virus like in common colds or measles. So the key is to avoid getting in contact with the body fluids (saliva, vomit, urine, etc.) of anyone who has contracted the virus or died because of it, reported Public Health Agency of Canada.
2. Second important Ebola virus fact: Not everyone who is infected dies according to Vox. In the recent West Africa outbreak, an estimated half of those who were infected succumbed to death. Survival rate in the previous outbreaks is 20%.
Survivors regain their good health and resume their usual lives eventually. Also, they get a kind of immunity that lasts for 10 years, so they can be assured of not contracting the virus within that time. Even if there are no identified cure as of yet, proper medical care can help infected people gain good chances of survival.
How to stay safe:
Know the specific symptoms of the disease and be especially cautious of your health whenever you travel. Keep track of your condition before and after embarking. Should fever or any of the symptoms surface while you are traveling, seek medical help right away, reported Public Health Agency of Canada.
