I've been like an ostrich with my head in the sand when it comes to the Ebola crisis that is spreading quickly in West Africa. I haven't wanted to know because it is the kind of thing that will freak me the eff out and keep me up and night, but now there is no avoiding it, it's serious, it's dangerous and it is a global issue. There have been three confirmed cases of U.S. citizens that have contracted it while in Africa and I just found out that the first Latino Ebola patient has been confirmed as well. His name is Miguel Pajares and he's a 75-year-old priest from Spain who was working in Liberia where he tested postitive for the ebola virus at the San José de Monrovia Hospital along with two other workers.
It's time to pull my head out of the sand. People are getting sick, Ebola cannot be ignored, but that doesn't mean that we have to freak out. Let's break this down into facts and what we need to know.
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Here are six facts you need to know about the Ebola epidemic:
1. Ebola is a viral infection. It starts with a fever and then symptoms progress to headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Ebola also causes severe hemorrhaging. If the symptoms cannot be controlled they lead to death.
2. Ebola is spread from person to person via direct contact with bodily fluids. In other words, coming into contact with the blood, urine, sweat, semen, breast milk and feces of someone who is infected puts you at risk. You cannot get it from mosquito or flea bites.
3. There is an incubation period. It usually takes about 10 days for people who have been exposed to the virus to show symptoms, but the symptoms can show up as early as two days to as late as 21 days after exposure.
4. There is no cure for it. Treatment consists of managing the symptoms and treating patients for any "complicating infections" as well.
5. Not everyone dies from it. For reasons that are not yet understood, some people who contract Ebola are able to recover while others die.
6. Chances of a widespread out break in the U.S. are very low. Unlike in West Africa, in the U.S. it is easier to isolate a patient and disinfect the environment. It is also easier to have access to things like fluid-resistant gloves, gowns, shoes, face masks and goggles.
This Ebola outbreak is horrible and terrifying. We need to stay informed, but let's not panic. You can find out more information about Ebola by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online.
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