The Ebola Virus In West Africa

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A virus that is spreading rapidly and taking the lives of those it affects, is threatening West Africa and the people who live there. The virus is Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever; it began in West Africa and has now arrived in United States. It affects people in various ways and has a multitude of symptoms. The virus has a high mortality rate, spreads quickly, and currently has no cure or vaccination. Although the outbreak of Ebola has the nation in turmoil, the virus may be able to be tamed through extensive testing and laboratory work, precautions and containment of the virus, and understanding the history and background of the virus. Commonly called Ebola, Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever is an infectious and generally fatal disease marked by fever and …show more content…

Symptoms can arise two to 21 days after you have come in contact with an affected person (Ebola Virus). More severe symptoms of the virus include: high fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, lack of appetite, coughing or vomiting up blood, bloody diarrhea, or a rash. Symptoms do vary for each patient. To be diagnosed with Ebola blood tests can be taken (Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever). “As there is no treatment or vaccine available, prevention is the most effective way to stop the transmission” (Ebola virus disease in Western Africa …show more content…

Through these outbreaks, many health officials have gained knowledge and experience from working with the virus. They have come up with a plan to prevent the disease from spreading, but neither a cure nor a vaccination has been discovered. Ebola has not been around as long as other sicknesses, but doctors and researchers have had experience with it. Ebola is transmitted to direct contact with an individual. Blood contact with the patient has the highest risk (Klompas et al). Some say that precautions are not being taken as needed and researchers are acting ignorant about the situation, but the people are trying their hardest and doing what they can with what they have currently been given

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