On March 30, 2014, the local Northwest Herald reported that in Conakry, Guinea in West Africa there is a documented outbreak of the Ebola virus. What is the Ebola virus? Why is this such a big deal? Previous outbreaks of Ebola were all contained to remote rural villages, while Conakry is an urban city of more than 2 million people with an international airport. Should American citizens be worried about the spread of Ebola beyond the borders of Africa?
So I did some more research. This week I would like you to also do some more research into this outbreak of Ebola. What are the symptoms of the virus? How many people survive? So far with this outbreak how many people have died? Are they all in one country? What measures have been taken to prevent this disease from spreading beyond the borders of Guinea? Provide examples of former outbreaks of Ebola. Which former outbreak was the worse? Should we be worried? Answer the previous questions in a scholarly response. Be sure to include your own opinion. Below are some links to articles that might help you. If you find another article that has good information, please share it in your response.
Ebola spread to Guinea capital (Northwest Herald)
Outbreak of Ebola (Center of Disease Control)
6 Things to Know About the Latest Ebola Outbreak (TIME)
Ebola Virus Disease (World Health Organization)
Why is Guinea's Ebola Outbreak so Unusual? (NPR)
With a case-fatality ratio of 65%, the outbreak of Ebola from the corner of Guinea to the capital of Conakry is a destructive force that is certainly a danger and threat to world health. Ebola is the most lethal disease to all mankind, of course in competition with HIV and AIDS. Although only 122 people have reportedly contracted the deadly disease, it does not lessen its chaotic power. The virus usually starts with a sore throat, red eyes, a rash, the onset of a fever, muscle pains, severe headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, kidney and liver issues, internal and external bleeding. Eventually, the sickness becomes so bad that within 2 days the victim could die from organ failure or overall shock if not treated properly. To make matters worse, Ebola is an agent that has been labeled by the U.S. has a bioterror; humans have no natural immunity to it and with enough of it, serious damage could arise. A vaccine for the virus has not been produced, but with the sudden outbreak in Guinea, the task of creating such a thing has been rushed.
ReplyDeleteThe terror, however, is being spawned from the unique occurrence of this virus. The ebola virus has spread to abnormally wide regions, as oppose to its usual confinement to villages within Africa. Potentially, the world could be in danger if this ‘batch’ of Ebola is more dangerous than all past cases, especially if it reaches international transportation. Movies such as ‘contagion’ detail the death that would be caused by such diseases as this, but we only viewed these movies as fantasy; however, our greatest fears may be coming true with the spread of such a lethal and destructive virus.
There has been 83 deaths since the beginning of this outbreak. With the virus spreads throughout several parts of Africa, everyone should be worried about the Ebola virus. There have been many Ebola outbreaks but they have been contained into small rural areas, but this time it has spread to the capital city of Conakry with a with a population of over 2 million people. With Conakry having an international airport, there is no telling where this virus could spread.
ReplyDeleteThe Ebola disease has become a significant threat to human lives. This disease is believed to be transferred by fruit bats in Africa; in fact they are thought to be the natural hosts of this disease. People contact this disease when they come across the infected fruit bats, or animals that have been already infected in various different ways, due to these bats. Also, people can come in contact with this disease through many animal products if the said animal was infected with the disease. Contaminated needles and direct contact with blood or other body fluids is a way this disease is spread from one person to another. The case fatality rate of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is up to 90 percent. It is often characterized by sudden fever, muscle pain, weakness, headache, nausea, and sore throat. After these initial conditions, the person suffering from EVD will show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, impaired liver and kidney function and sometimes internal and external bleeding. It has been found that there are usually a low concentration of white blood cells but high amounts of liver enzymes. The period of incubation for this disease is anywhere from 2 to 21 days and people are infectious for as long as the virus is in their blood streams or secretions which is anywhere from the day the illness struck to 61 days later. Unfortunately, no vaccine has been created for EVD. This disease has struck the world with such force; we are still having difficulties in finding a cure for this. Much of this is due to the fact that not a lot of people are aware of this disease and the consequences of it. Scientists are trying hard to create a vaccine for this, and though we cannot do much to aid them, we can educate ourselves on this disease. This could lead to the cure being found faster if everyone knows about this ailment and people are able to offer ideas for the cure. The idea for this cure could be in the mind of a high schooler, or someone even younger; if everyone educates themselves on this disease, there is a chance that lives can be saved sooner.
ReplyDeleteEbola is a disease that has symptoms that include internal and external bleeding, high fever, headache, and weakness. It can be spread by transmitting bodily fluids by kissing, infected needles, bedding, or soiled towels. Ebola has killed about 1700 people since it was discovered in 1976. The rate of fatality is about 90%. In one of the articles, someone said they would rather keep their sick child at home than take them to a hospital and risk them getting Ebola. People are worried about the disease spreading rapidly in their country. I think the USA should be fully aware of what is going on over in those countries with the disease so that if there is ever an outbreak of it over here, we know what to do. There isn't a vaccine yet, but they are close to making one that works. I hope they find one soon so that the people in surrounding countries can prevent it before it gets out of hand.
ReplyDeleteEven though only 122 have reported getting the Ebola disease, its mortality rate being so high makes it one of the most deadly diseases known to man. Roughly ⅔ victims of the outbreak dying, so the zone between the capital of Conakry and Guinea is an immensely dangerous place to be right now. Extreme symptoms occur such as internal bleeding and vomiting but eventually the sickness worsens to the point of death within typically 2 days if not treated properly. A vaccine for the virus has not been produced and no one is currently immune to it but the worsening of things in Guinea are bringing a great amount of attention to it and therefore it will most likely be researched much more extensively.It is very scary that the disease could spread to such a wide area rather than a smaller, confined space such as a village. If these cases of Ebola are so much more deadly then there is reason to be afraid of it because if it spreads to the U.S., we could be facing this horror, too.
ReplyDeleteThe symptoms of Ebola include fever, severe headaches, chills, sore throat, weakness, and over time they produce into vomiting, red eyes, diarrhea, raised rash, chest pain, stomach pain, severe weight loss and many others. There is about a 10% survival rate. About 101 deaths have been recorded from this disease. Deaths have been occurring in different countries all around Guinea. Senegal shut the land border with Guinea to prevent the Ebola from spreading. There have been countless numbers of outbreaks dating back to late 1800's. Also there has already been at least 1 out break in the U.S. around 1996.The Democratic Republic of Congo had 300 people with this disease in around 2007. With this Ebola spreading I definitely think this is something to be worried about.
ReplyDeleteThe Ebola virus causes very bad internal and external bleeding. This diseases death rate is estimated at 88%. Symptoms are fever, pains all over the body, vomiting, diarrhea, organ issues, and some rashes may appear(and a lot more). The first outbreak occurred in a village near the Ebola river. As of April 1st, 78 people have died. The virus has spread into Guinea and not only small cities in Africa, but largely populated cities as well. When people are diagnosed with the disease, they are isolated and some brought to the hospital(causing more spread of the virus). So far 122 people have been infected. For precautions also, they shut down Guinea's border from letting people enter OR leave. There has been 1 case in America, very minor. There were cases in Uganda, Phillipines, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of congo, in the span of 1996-2012. From 2007, in a span of 4 months, out of 300 people 120 people died in Democratic Republic of Congo. I think this is something to be worried about because someone who has the disease, but doesn't know it, could immigrate to America and infect us. We could also trade with them, and get crops or live stock with the disease also.
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ReplyDeleteI’ll admit, seeing that this week’s blog post was about a deadly virus outbreak while I’m sitting at home for the 4th consecutive day with a high fever was a bit of a discomforting surprise. However, looking further into the tragic situation in West Africa, there isn’t much to be rationally worried about here. As of Tuesday April 8th, there have been 101 deaths in the most recent outbreak. Now given that this is out of only 157 cases, and that the most deadly outbreak of the virus in 1976 resulted in just 280 deaths, this makes for a terrifying outbreak with a large percentage of deaths, leaving it not far behind the record holder. When you take a look at the symptoms, including sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired
kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external
bleeding, it comes out to be a pretty grizzly disease coupled with a dangerous
outbreak. Part of what’s making it so dangerous compared to others isn’t even
the amount of infections or deaths; it’s the distance between each infected
individual; spread across 3 countries, the job of healthcare workers trying to
quarantine victims gets much more difficult. So with a massive outbreak of a
disease that has an average historical survival rate of 10% across three major
West African countries, shouldn’t we be freaking out? No, not really. It is a
large outbreak, and it is a lethal disease, but we’ve seen it before, so we
know how to contain it. Surrounding countries have already closed down their
borders to prevent spreading to more countries. Guinea has been keeping close
tabs on any individual who comes in contact with the infected. Health agencies,
both native and flown over have worked diligently to contain the victims and
distribute protection equipment to citizens surrounding hot-spots of infection.
And although Guineas international airport hasn’t been shut down, any symptoms
of the disease make it irrational, uncomfortable, or in some cases even
impossible to travel, let alone fly, let alone fly internationally. So should
we lose sleep over this? Absolutely not. Should we as a country do what we can
to help? Of course, even if that just means staying informed.
Symptoms-fever, pain, vomiting and severe Internal and external bleeding
ReplyDeleteDeath rate-85 percent
People that contract Ebola are isolated from other people to stop the infection from spreading. Guineas borders have been shut down so that the infection does not spread abroad.
Guinea-157 cases, 101 deaths
Liberia-21 cases, 10 deaths
Sierra Leone-8 cases, 6 deaths
Mali-1 case
The outbreak in Uganda from 2000 to 2001 was worse (so far) the death tole was 224. Also the first outbreak in The Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976 280 people died.
Americans should not fear Ebola at all. First of all they shut down their borders which means that the the infection will not spread abroad. Also if the infection were to reach our coast and start infecting people then every single scientist would put all of their effort finding a vaccine.
Some symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea and both internal and external bleeding. Of 122 people diagnosed 6 are in another country and 83 people have died. To try and stop the disease Saudi Arabia has suspended visas to people from infected areas and locals are told not to eat any animal found dead in the forest. This outbreak is not as bad as one in Uganda which killed 224 people but may be considered worse because it is in an urban area which makes it spread quicker. we shouldn't be worried because inflicted people are too ill to travel. I think we should all find ways to help people suffering from Ebola in Africa.
ReplyDeleteThe symptoms of Ebola are a severe fever and headaches; those symptoms are similar to Malaria as the NorthWest Herald says. Later symptoms include internal and external bleeding though. As a result of the disease only a shocking 10% people survive from having it. In Guinea at least 70 people were part of the 90% that died from the disease and in Libera 22 people passed away. In order to prevent the disease from spreading, borders on Guinea were shut down and ebola patients were quarantined in hospitals. Another outbreak of Ebola occurred in 2001 and killed around 400 people. this one sounds more serious because it is concentrated in one area where the 2001 one was spread out hundreds of miles apart. In my opinion I think that we shouldnt be worried about Ebola because it sounds as though it cant jump over continents which would mean the risk of it reaching the U.S. isnt as high as other places.
ReplyDeleteReports are rapidly coming in from Africa of an outbreak of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, a disease that spreads quickly and kills slowly. In Guinea's capital city of Conakry, many have been struck down with this plague. Most people refuse to enter the hospital there even if they or their loved ones are sick, for about 300 Ebola victims have been quarantined in it. So far there are 179 suspected cases across Guinea and Liberia, and 115 suspected and confirmed deaths. The Ebola virus causes a fever, rash, eyes that appear to be filled with blood, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal and external bleeding of every orifice. Many victims at first appear to be afflicted with malaria and nothing more, but the truth turns out to be much more horrid. There is no cure for Ebola. A rare few survive, blessed by genetics with immunity or the ability to overcome the disease. Others perish. 1,700 people have died since Ebola was first discovered in 1976, and it seems that more are coming. An outbreak in 2000 in Uganda killed 224, and another a year later in the Democratic Republic of the Congo killed 187. But what does this mean for us, in our safe little American houses with medicine and doctors and no exposure whatsoever to a disease like this? Probably nothing. Although this case is unique for its ability to cross countries, precautions are being taken and it is almost guaranteed that this virus will not reach America, at least not on accident. Saudi Arabia is refusing air passengers from Guinea and Liberia, and Senegal has closed its borders as well. Besides, most people, even in the the early stages of Ebola, would be too ill to fly. I personally am horrified by this disease, and it scares me much more than any horror movie could. In 7th grade I watched a video on Ebola, and the pictures were just terrible. Body bags littered the streets, empty houses standing near by. The victims were bursting with bodily fluids, and I felt the urge to puke at this sight. The Ebola virus is a horrible, horrible thing that should be stopped at all costs. Even if it does not affect us personally, we should all try to do something to support victims and their families in Africa.
ReplyDeleteAfter doing some research, Ebola virus was described as a virus spread from the exchange of blood or bodily fluids. Symptoms include fever, nausea, headaches, weak feeling, muscle aches chills and overall flu like symptoms. But the fatalities mostly occur from the internal bleeding that the virus can cause. The survival rate as of now is around 65% (ranges differ from different sources) due to the fact that there is no cure or vaccination. So far, as of last tuesday there has been 157 reported deaths. There has been the most cases in Guinea but their neighboring country, Liberia, is starting to increase. If a cure and or vaccination is not found soon, the virus could spread to all of West Africa. The key is to get the right medical treatments. They are trying to send doctors to these countries because of the lack of medical help the country has itself. We should not be worried if people are being treated quickly. It would take a lot for it to make it to us. Even if it did, we have the medical treatment unlike in Africa.
ReplyDeleteSymptoms that you should be aware of including headaches, muscle aches and fever. Later, it can move to stomach pain and red eyes and other more sever factors. It's not often that people survive. Roughly less than 1000 people a year are infected and the death rate is high. The infection is in Nzara, Sudan, and in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo. Doctors work hard on finding a cure, but so far any of the medications being tested aren't even available yet. Former diseases of this go back to 2001 with a disease called a "Sudan" type. This was the worse considering it killed 425 people. We should always be concerned when it comes to new disease outbreaks. You never know what it's capable of. I don't think there's much we can do now but keep researching on it, however it would be dumb to ignore it. the Best we can do is keep tabs on it for right now.
ReplyDeleteApparently, devastating disease outbreaks do not just happen in Hollywood movies. My first reaction was that Ebola is not a big deal; after all, the outbreak is in Africa-which is far away from here- and besides, if it was a threat, I would have heard about it sooner and/or seen it on the news. Right? As I read the Time Magazine article, I grew more alarmed since Ebola is perhaps the most deadly disease known to man as well as very painful. So far, 122 people have been diagnosed with Ebola in Guinea (probably more by now) and at least 83 of those people are dead. The symptoms are sore throat, red eyes, rash, intense muscle pain, internal/external bleeding, and death. According to http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/, the fatality rate is 90% and outbreaks have occurred before. In 1976, Ebola was a problem in several countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a town by the river Ebola, from which the disease`s name is derived. Presently, since there is no known cure, the measures taken in prevention are simply quarantining affected areas, educated the locals about how the disease is spread (through body fluids and eating infected animals), and giving protective materials out. Also, Saudi Arabia is refusing to let flights from those African countries enter their country in an effort to prevent it from spreading. Although I think there is definitely a potential for the disease to spread throughout Africa and other countries, I am not highly concerned at this point for my personal well being since I a) do not eat monkeys/bats and b) doubt an infected individual could enter the United States, much less Crystal Lake, Illinois, without showing symptoms. Still, if I feel my throat getting sore, I might experience some paranoia before dismissing it as a cold. My heart and prayers go out to the people over there, hopefully the epidemic will be over soon.
ReplyDeleteOver 100 people have died from this virus already and around 65% of people infected with the virus end up dying. So far the virus is only in Guinea West Africa. The first case was in February and has spread to the capital city of Conakry. This virus is spread through the exchange in bodily fluids. Within a few days infected people experience weakness, headaches, muscle aches and chills, high fever, diarrhea, and nausea. Infected die because of internal bleeding in the spleen, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract. We don't have to be worried because for the most part it is being controlled and regulated very well.
ReplyDeleteThe Ebola virus' symptoms include Fever, Headache, Muscle aches, Sore throat, Weakness, Diarrhea, Bleeding inside and outside of the body, Rash and trouble breathing. Only about ten percent of people with this disease survive. so far from this recent outbreak, around 80 people have died with more to come. This outbreak is mostly in Guinea and some small cities in Africa. to stop the spread from anymore disease spreading, they have shut down Guineas borders. there were many outbreaks of this epidemic, in the Uganda, Philippines, plus the democratic republic of Congo from 1976- 2012. the worst outbreak was in 1976 in the democratic republic of Congo with 280 deaths. I don't think we should be worried. If there are authorities that are capable of stopping the spread, we should be perfectly okay. We've done it in the past and we can do it now.
ReplyDeleteAs the threat to mankind widens, many Guineans are cautioned and are on lockdown to keep this lethal disease from spreading internationally. Initially, symptoms of Ebola parallel that of Malaria: A headache, weakness, and a high fever. Although the fatality rate is an astounding 90% according to the Northwest Herald, it has never been a major issue, only posing threats to minor quarantined villages in Africa. As of March 30th, Ebola has killed more than 70 of its victims, and has left over 110 people at death's doorstep within a 300 mile range, putting even more citizens at risk than before. With no cure to save them, the Guineans hopelessly isolate the ill from the healthy, not letting anyone enter or leave the country. Unbelievably, there have been traces of 6 suspected Ebola outbreaks in neighboring Liberia. Previously, the Ebola virus has killed up to 1,700 people since the very first outbreaks in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan. Personally, this worries me extremely, since the US is only one flight away from another plague. Although the idea might seem "dramatic" and far fetched, who knows what will happen next: Some medical workers from America could go to deliver a newly made vaccine of some sort, and really could just be a mistake, bringing back the lethal disease with them with no cure. Then again, I was not alive during the last Ebola outbreak, and cannot compare the two in brutality or any possible future we might be involved in with this disease.
ReplyDeleteEbola is one of the deadliest diseases, and currently in West Africa, 122 people have been diagnosed with it. According to the article I read, this hasn't been the biggest outbreak (224 have died in Uganda before) but it’s different this time because it’s spread across more geographically. I think that is scary, because it’s spreading to countries that have never seen it before, like Guinea, and even countries hundreds of miles apart. The Ebola virus naturally “resides” in fruit bats, chimpanzees, antelope, gorillas and porcupines. To me, this seems like a lot of animals to avoid for one virus. Some symptoms include; sore throat, headache, sometimes a rash, muscle pain, and vomiting. Very few people actually survive the virus, and the few surviving victims, are contagious for a long period afterwards. The good news though, is that currently a treatment is being developed in Canada, but it will take a while because it’s a rare virus that affects small populations at a time.
ReplyDeleteEbola is a nasty disease that causes a lot of uncomfortable suffering. Some of the symptoms include diarrhea, vomitting, and impaired liver function which could easily be deadly. Only about 12-34% of victims survive. With this outbreak in Guinea, 101 deaths have occured so far. It has also reached Liberia. The virus spreads quickly, despite not being airborn. It is normally contracted from fluids of the body. Fruit bats are said to be major carriers. In an attempt to limit more spreading and contamination, those sick are kept isolated. Even family members are afraid to take their sick to the hospital, for fear of the germs harvested there. Some former outbreaks of Ebola were a 2001 outbreak in DRC which killed 187, and year before that, 224 died in Uganda. Based on the death toll, the 2000 outbreak was worst! We should totally be worried that this disease has been around for so long, we do not have a vaccine, and nearly everyone dies from it. Something needs to be done. Scientists are trying their hardest, as are all of the doctor's risking their lives to save others; but it's going to take some type and a lot of hard work on all parts.
ReplyDeleteThe Ebola virus is a fatal virus where victims' lives can be taken if it is give n the chance. Due to a crisis of the Ebola virus inside of Guinea's seaside capital, Conakry, about two million people reside here as well as an international airlines, so a deadly disease mixed with a large population can only spell trouble. Considering the location of a worldwide airport, American citizens should be concerned about the spread of Ebola beyond African borders because since it can be transmitted through direct body contact, if a carrier is unaware of them being contagious, this crisis could expand even further into other countries. The symptoms of the Ebola virus starts with a sore throat, red eyes, and a fever coinciding with severe headaches and muscle pain. Then, as the virus becomes more critical, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and impaired kidney or liver functions will follow until death from either blood loss or organ failure. With only a 10% survival rate, approximately 101 deaths have already been recorded. Ebola has spread from Guinea and has began to enter Liberia, so in order to prevent further contamination into other countries, the Guinea border has been shut down while professionals keep track on the families who have been affected and keep those who are in severe condition. Compared to former Ebola outbreaks, the last time a crisis like this that has occurred was in 2007 where a total of 187 people had died while 264 were diagnosed with the disease. However, neither of these outbreaks had surpassed the worst case of the Ebola virus. In 1976, an outbreak of Ebola was recorded and as a result, a sum of 280 people had been deceased. Personally, I think that we should be wary because this illness can be transmitted through any body fluid, but that does not mean that we need to take extreme measures for the sake of our country. With the actions that Guinea is currently doing, there is a low possibility of a global crisis.
ReplyDeleteThe ebola virus can cause internal and external bleeding. Symptoms for it are fever, pain all over body,vomiting, organ issues, rashes, diarrhea and more.It has an 88% death rate. The first outbreak was near the Ebola river, which is where the virus got it's name. Because it started in a river it spread like wildfire to anyone who used the river. Because of this they started to shut down the border. There was also one case in the Philippines where 120 people died in four months. The virus is one we should worry about because if it starts that close to a river like the Mississippi river, a lot of people will be in some serious danger.
ReplyDeleteEbola is one of the most deadly diseases, and not to be taken lightly. It's spread through body fluids, and very contagious. Ebola starts with a sore throat, red eyes possibly rashes, which doesn't seem the worst. However, its followed by fever, intense muscle pain, severe headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. The end result is death and 83 are already dead. The question is, "Can it spread from continent to continent?". Although this is unlikely, it's definitely possible. However, huge precautions have been taken by authorities to stop the spread. These lethal diseases leave a human to question about the use of controlled germ warfare between countries, with only one having the cure. Although the idea is kind of far fetched, it's definitely possible. Although there has been an outbreak, precautions are being taken, so lets hope that it dies down as quickly as it came.
ReplyDeleteThis disease is definitely scary. So far, it has been contained in Guinea with 157 confirmed cases and over 101 deaths so far. Scientists say that this particular outbreak of Ebola is most closely related to the outbreak in 2009. Symptoms of this disease are vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and even impaired liver and kidney function. Ebola is so dangerous because it can be easily transmitted to other people. If someone has the virus, it is important that they are quarrantined and have no contact as to not spread the disease. Ebola is a scary situation for many people. As long as it can be contained (this is especially hard to do with this outbreak since there is an airport in the city) we Americans can be farily confident that it will not spread too far. This is one of the first times that Ebola has broken out in a city this big, and it is suspected that the disease came in with bats, which are a source of food in africa. This is very dangerous, and there is a lot of suffering so far.
ReplyDeleteCONAKRY, Guinea – Ebola, one of the world’s most deadly viruses, has spread from a remote forested corner of southern Guinea to the country’s seaside capital, raising fears that the disease, which causes severe bleeding and almost always death, could spread far beyond this tiny West African nation’s borders.
ReplyDeleteIn the first outbreak of its kind here, Ebola already has killed at least 70 people including one man whose family brought him to Conakry, the capital, for medical treatment. Now six of his relatives and two others exposed to him are being kept in isolation at a hospital.
Health officials warn that the arrival of Ebola in this sprawling city of some 2 million people with an international airport could spell disaster. Among the poorest countries in the world, Guinea has severely limited medical facilities and a large population living in slums where the virus could spread quickly.
“Poor living conditions and lack of water and sanitation in most parts of Conakry poses a serious risk of this epidemic spiraling into a crisis,” said Ibrahima Toure, country director for the aid group Plan International.
Panic already has grown among residents since the government announced the Conakry cases late Thursday on national TV. While most days up to 300 patients seek treatment at Donka Hospital, less than 100 came on Friday as news spread that the Ebola patients were being quarantined there.
“My daughter is sick and coughing but I prefer to keep her at home. I wouldn’t set foot inside Donka Hospital for anything in the world right now,” said Djalikatou Balde, a teacher.
International aid groups like Doctors Without Borders and Plan International are trying to educate Guineans about how the disease is spread, and working to identify and isolate anyone who may have been exposed. There is no cure for the disease and the virus strain in Guinea has a fatality rate of up to 90 percent. Some 111 people have fallen ill already and authorities in neighboring Liberia and Sierra Leone are also investigating suspected cases.
“Above all, we must avoid widespread panic,” said Marie-Christine Ferir, emergency coordinator for Doctors Without Borders. “That is why it is so important to spread correct information so people understand the disease and how to protect themselves.”
Medical teams have been traveling on foot to villages where cases have been reported. The number of people possibly contaminated expanded exponentially when the Conakry patient traveled some 300 miles (430 kilometers) across the country in search of help.
The Ebola virus causes severe hemorrhagic fever in patients, in some cases leading to grisly deaths as patients bleed both internally and externally. Its initial symptoms — high fever, headache and weakness — can mimic malaria.
Joseph Gbaka Sandouno, a program unit manager with Plan International in the village of Gueckedou, said it’s been especially difficult for people to stay calm after having witnessed “frightening scenes where people have died with severe bleeding.”
“People are getting desperate as every other day somebody is dying,” he said, noting that 51 of the deaths had taken place there. “People are saying only God can save us now.”
This is the article no i don't think Americans have anything to worry about because these out breaks happen in lower level countries where here we are just cleaner in general.
Peter,
DeleteWhere is the article from? When you copy an entire article, you should cite where you found it.
The outbreak of this virus known as Ebola seems to be a danger to African countries and possibly the U.S. This symptom causes severe bleeding, headaches, vomiting, and fevers, and 101 people have died from an update on April 10. Few people have lived. 1700 people have died since 1976, for this disease has been found in other parts of the world such as Sudan, China, and the Philippines. At the moment this is only located in the districts of Liberia and Guinea. Still, this is not the worst case yet, which took place in Uganda in 2000 where 224 people died. To make sure that the disease does not spread, people are forbidding close contact with the diseased people, and others who are still healthy are encouraged to also not interact with others. The victims are too weak to go on flights, yet there is a slight possibility that this disease could infact hitch a ride on an international airway. In all honesty, this disease could affect the U.S, but it most likely will not happen. There has only been one case when a patient flew overseas to another country, and even then no one was infected. What we should be worried for are the people in the countries nearby this pandemic, since they are at a much greater risk then we are. Hypothetically, a person could get this disease and not be quarantined, so that others would get this. The domino effect would fall into place, and the west side of Africa would be ravaged by this infection. Other than that, everyone should be fine.
ReplyDeleteOriginating in Africa, Ebola is a very fatal and alarming disease. Scientists believe that the disease orginally came from bats, which was eventually transferred to some humans. The symptoms of this disease are extremely painful--basically, to acquire Ebola means to suffer a tortuous death. (with an 88% death rate.) Symptoms include internal and external bleeding, severe rash and fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The victim dies from either organ failure or blood loss. The first outbreak of Ebola was near the Ebola river, which is where the disease got its name. The number of deaths by Ebola are only in the hundreds; however, the area of which it is affecting is beginning to be widespread. Hopefully, the disease will be contained soon.
ReplyDeleteEbola is a very deadly, quick spreading, and harsh disease. Ebola originated in the very remote villages of Africa, near the Ebola river, and was thought to be acquired from bats. The death rate for this disease is over 80%, but I doubt the more remote villages could even figure out how to cure it. The symptoms are muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, internal and external bleeding, rash and fever, weakness, and sore throat. This harsh disease has killed over 80 people in Africa. Being American, i don't think we need to worry that much about Ebola reaching our shores. If we have never contacted the disease here, we must not have the same animal to start it. Unless we let people sick with Ebola into our country, I think we will be okay.
ReplyDeleteThe death rate for Ebola is close to 90%. Symptoms include fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, nausea, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. So far there have been 157 confirmed cases and 101 deaths in Guinea alone. I don't think we should be too worried though, because the TIME article says, "Victims are usually too ill to travel, let alone board a plane." Although a trustworthy source says that, I'm still partly a germophobe and the outbreak scares me.
ReplyDeleteThe Ebola Virus has a fatality rate of up to 90%. It is a very deadly disease. Fruit bats are thought to be the true hosts of the Ebola Virus. Other hosts of the Ebola virus include monkeys, apes, and pigs. People may become infected through slaughtering of animals, the consumption of blood or milk, and in eating raw or undercooked meat. Symptoms include a sudden onset fever,weakness, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and sore throat. Other symptoms that occur after this include vomiting, diarrhea, impaired liver and kidney function, and sometimes internal bleeding. There is no specific treatment available, nor is there a vaccine to prevent it. Raising awareness and washing your hands frequently can be a preventative measure. Those who have died should be safely and promptly buried.
ReplyDeleteThe Ebola Virus is a deadly disease that spreads very quickly throughout west Africa. Scientists think that the disease came from bats near the Ebola river, and thats where the name came from. Symptoms of this disease include fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, vommiting, stomach pain, severe weigh loss, weakness, red eyes and much more. Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that so far 101 people have died from the virus and 157 comfirmed cases. The death rate is 88% and that's why we are trying to make sure that the disease doesnt spread more. The disease is spreading throughout Africa but I don't think it will reach all the way to the U.S. Milaria is a good example of a recent outbreak in Africa. No diagnosis has been made yet, but scientist are testing in the lab to come up with a treatment. No vaccines or any special treatment ia avialible either.
ReplyDeleteEbola is an extremely painful and fatal disease that originated in Africa. Many scientists believe that it was transferred from bats to humans. The first case of Ebola was found at the Ebola River (hence the name). Ebola is transmitted through sex as well as contact with an infectious person and their blood, urine, and poop and any other body fluids. Symptoms include extreme fever, muscle pains, sore throat, vomiting, explosive diarrhea, and overwhelming weakness. Most victims die from their organs shutting down as well as blood loss. Currently there is no vaccine for Ebola, but I feel like it is not a problem we (in Illinois) need to worry about because it is not an airborne disease, but it is important to be aware.
ReplyDeleteSeeing these pictures of the locals getting aid and the dry poverty in the area instantly took me to El Salvador. The pain and sickness I saw there was absolutely shocking, however there they didn't have medical care. I like to make a statement displaying that I can identify with this and also how grateful I am to see that the people of West Africa have everyone's attention and concern. Reading about Ebola, I discovered that this lethal disease causes “vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding,” from Time magazine. There have been 122 cases reported so far with 83 resulted deaths; and that's in Guinea, West Africa alone. To prevent spreading of this virus, there has been 3.5 tons of protective clothing and equipment sent out by the World Health Organization for burial protection in addition to the health professionals in aid. In the past there have been cases reported to have been more deadly than the current one: in 2001, DRC reported 187 fatalities, and a year prior to that, there were 224 deaths reported from Uganda, which was the worst of the two cases (in terms of fatalities). Based on how much protection is being used and the fact that professionals see it as extremely unlikely to have the ill boarding planes, I don’t see this virus as a threat to us in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteOut breaks of Ebloa have been starting since 1976, first effecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan. The Democratic Repbulic of Congo had a fatality rate of 88% and Sudan had a rate of 53%. Since then, the highest fatality rate of the Ebola Virus was 90% from the outbreak in Congo during the year 2003. Hosting the virus are mostly mammals, for example apes, pigs, cattle, and monkeys. The virus could be passed by eating raw or uncooked meat, consuming milk, and slaughtering infected animals, and infected dead bodies. Symptoms include weakness, muscle pain, nausea, headache, sore throat, and fever. The total of people that have passed away so far is 101. As of right now they are all in the country of Guinea I think we should pe possibly worried if we are importing goods back and forth, but victims are too weak to travel. Therefore, I do not think we should be personally worried, all we can do is hope no more people are negatively effected and continue to support the medical field in hope of finding a cure.
ReplyDeleteEbola is a highly contagious virus that should be taken serious because of its transmission to Guinea's capital and the possibility of it being transmitted to other countries. Though, I don't think American citizens should be too worried; most victims are too tired to travel, even though it could happen, it most likely won't. Some of the symptoms of the virus are: internal bleeding, sore throat and red eyes, nausea, headaches, organ failure etc. Twelve to 34% of people survive, and ever since 1976, at least 1700 people have died ( this is total of all the countries). However Canada is developing a vaccine will take quite a few years to perfect. Other countries affected were Congo and Sudan. Overall, we don't need to be worried; unless someone flies an infected person over, we will be fine.
ReplyDeleteEbola is thought to be carried by fruit bats. People generally come in contact through infected animals by consuming blood, milk or raw and undercooked meat. Ebola will then spread from person to person. Some symptoms of the virus are fever, weakness, muscle pain, headaches and nausea. These symptoms are then followed by vomiting, diarrhea and liver and kidney problems. So far around 78 people have died and more deaths are expected. Right now I don't think we should be worried about the disease spreading to America as people who are infected, generally get sick very quickly and would most likely be to weak to travel. The only way it might spread here is if someone who hasn't developed signs and symptoms yet flies over and immediately infects someone else.
ReplyDeleteEbola is a very serious disease disease and could be scary if we don't prevent it the right way in our country. Some of the more severe symptoms that I found were a raised rash, severe weight loss and bleeding of the mouth, ears and nose. Since 1980 around 1500 have died from ebola most of them being in Africa. As it states in the TIME article most of the people with ebola are to sick and can barely walk so we shouldn't be worried about them traveling to different countries in that condition. We should not be worried about it for now because of it being so far away and the high security that our country has. As long as no one gets into our country while they're infected we should be ok at this moment.
ReplyDeleteEbola virus is very dangerous, and spreads quickly through a nation. There are many unpleasant symptoms. It starts with a fever, followed by severe weakness and nausea. Headaches, sore throat, impaired kidney and liver function, and even internal/external bleeding can follow. More than 1700 people died in the original outbreak in Sudan and the Congo. This was by far the worst outbreak, and we are getting better at treating people for the virus. But there still is not a cure, and few make through an outbreak unharmed. Should we be worried? Yes and no. There is a small chance the disease will make it overseas, so we can breathe easy for now. But people in the other countries are dying, and we should be very worried for their safety and try to help in whichever way we can.
ReplyDeleteEbola is a very contagious virus that is also very deadly. It is being transmitted all throughout the capital of Guinea. The chances that the outbreak spreads to the U.S. are very small, but there is a possibility. The virus causes symptoms of internal bleeding, sore throat, red eyes, and nausea. Canada is doing a good job of getting the virus under control by developing a vaccine that will take a few years to work out all the kinks and release it to the public. The other countries that were impacted by the virus are Congo and Sudan. The only way we would be affected by the virus in the U.S. is if someone who was infected were to fly over here.
ReplyDeleteEbola infects people with flu like symptoms, a severe rash, bleeding and red eyes. Many of the victims die from organ failure or blood loss, there isn't a known vaccine for Ebola and most victims are too weak to receive treatment. The first case of Ebola was by the Ebola River and has been spread through refugee camps and rural parts of Africa. The most recent case has gone "viral" and spread to a populated city. I don't think it will go "global" and infect the America unless it is brought over to us and not contained.
ReplyDeleteThe current Ebola outbreak in Guinea is moderate at the moment but holds the potential to be much worse. So far an estimated 101 people have died as a result of the outbreak with more to follow. Ebola is a virus contracted from contact with infected blood or tissue. Symptoms include fever, rash, diarrhea, headache, sore throat, and gradual liver/kidney failure. For a person infected with the virus the case fatality rate is upwards of 90%.In Africa the outbreak has slowly spread to other districts outside Guinea. The worst outbreak of Ebola took place in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this particular outbreak about 280 people were killed. So far the current outbreak has not slowed in its spread, having recently reached the capital ,Conakry. Should we be worried, Absolutely. The quality of healthcare and medical attention in the continent holds some of the worlds poorest quality, so the combating of the virus will require outside help to stop it from blanketing more people.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ebola_outbreaks
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/
http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/guinea/
Due to the unfortunate mishap with the posting of this blog comment last week, here it is again:
ReplyDeleteEbola is a disease known by many names. The predominant ones being Ebola Virus Disease and Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever. Symptoms typically start 2 to 3 weeks after initial contact with the virus. Ebola begins with a sudden onset of an influenza-like stage characterized by general malaise, fever with chills, joint pain, muscle pain, and chest pain. Nausea is accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Respiratory tract involvement is characterized by pharyngitis with sore throat, cough, dyspnea, and hiccups. The central nervous system is affected as judged by the development of severe headaches, agitation, confusion, fatigue, depression, seizures, and sometimes coma. Cutaneous presentation may include: maculopapular rash, petechiae, purpura, ecchymoses, and hematomas (especially around needle injection sites). In general, development of hemorrhagic symptoms is indicative of a negative prognosis. However, contrary to popular belief, hemorrhage does not lead to hypovolemia and is not the cause of death (total blood loss is low except during labor). Instead, death occurs due to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) due to fluid redistribution, hypotension, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and focal tissue necroses. Africa should NOT be the only population of people worried about the Ebola virus. With such a wide range of symptoms, the virus could strike people in things like a common cold or a simple stomach bug. We've no way to protect ourselves from such a virus and we've no clue when it strikes until the death numbers raise.
Ebola is a rare and deadly disease with symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, weakness, and diarrhea. when the disease get worse symptoms can be fatal such as, internal and external bleeding, rash, and trouble breathing. Ebola is highly contagious and there is no real cure, doctors just try and control the symptoms. 101 have been recorded dead in the outbreak in Guinea and Liberia. There has been little to almost no travel to and from areas that have been faced with the outbreak. The most recent past occurrence was in Uganda in 2012, depending on how strong the Ebola virus is in this current outbreak, i think that it could be better or worse. I don't think we should be worried if the virus is controlled properly then it should be over before we know it.
ReplyDeleteEbola is a very deadly contagious disease . Guinea is where the current outbreak is taking place. Ebola is very dangerous and it has a 90% mortality rate Even though the chances of it spreading to the U.S . is small there still is a possibility it will spread. The virus causes symptoms of internal bleeding, sore throat, red eyes, and nausea. Many countries are working on a vaccine Canada being the chief among them. Other outbreaks have been in Sudan and the Congo. The worst outbreak is was in the Congo in 1976. The current outbreak has already claimed over 100 lives and more will surely follow. Living in the U.S. I dont think I have to worry but if I lived somewhere else I would be very nervous.
ReplyDeleteEbola is eradicating Africa. Over 1700 people have died from this deadly sickness and some are still dying. This sickness is transmitted through body fluids which is making leaders of the bordering countries to tell their people to stop having sex in chance they will catch it. However not many countries that are far enough away have to worry about it. Usually the people that are sick are way to ill to board a plane. Some cases of Ebola from China did make its way to America but we ended that quickly. There are no vaccines so if you catch it you just have to hope you can survive it, but being in America i don't think we have to worry much.
ReplyDeleteThe Ebola virus's symptoms include a fever, headaches, muscle aches, a sore throat, weakness, diarrhea, internal and external bleeding, rashes, and troubled breathing. This outbreak was mostly in Guinea and some small cities in Africa. The survival rate of those infected is only 10%. According to one of the articles, around 80 people have died from the outbreak and more have most likely happened. To prevent anymore of the disease spreading, they have shut down Guineas borders. There were other outbreaks of this epidemic in Uganda, the Philippines, and the Democratic Republic of Congo from 1976- 2012. One of the worst outbreaks was in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo with 280 deaths. I have to admit, after watching the video Outbreak, I am a little worried about another possible outbreak of Ebola or any other comparable disease occurring in the United States again. I’m trusting in the fact that there are a lot of researchers and scientists trying to figure out how to control this disease and that will help keep the population safe.
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