Facts About Ebola

With the recent events pertaining to the Ebola virus, here are some things you should know before becoming worried. Due

to the sensationalizing of the virus from the media, many people are unaware of the true facts about the virus.

The Ebola virus was first documented in 1976 and is believed to be carried by fruit bats. The initial spread occurred in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Currently, the

virus is mostly concentrated in West Africa.

What Is Ebola?

The virus can be transmitted by other humans if they come in contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. It cannot be

transmitted through breathing the same air. The chances of contracting Ebola are very low. People who are most at risk are those in close physical contact with an infected person: family

members, health care workers taking care of patient, etc.

How can it be transmitted?

Ebola tends to have flu like symptoms at first which may include: weakness, fever, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting

and aches. Typically, the symptoms will appear within 8 to 10 days after being exposed to the virus.

What are the symptoms?

While there is no FDA approved drug to treat Ebola, some patients have shown signs of improvement with an

experimental drug called ZMapp. However, long-term studies have not been completed on its’ possible adverse reactions.

Treatment

Studying drugs and discovering their possible adverse reactions is majorly important because doctors do not know how ZMapp will

affect those who are treated with it. This draws up an ethical dilemma because some patients may faire well upon treatment at first, but their futures are unknown. Like studying other drugs, the Dwoskin Family Foundation aims to raise awareness of these moral

implications because they may cause more harm than good.

Why is drug testing important?