First Case of EBOLA in the U.S.

The EBOLA crises is NOT getting better in WEST AFRICA and now the virus has landed on US soil.

A patient with EBOLA being taken on a plane in Sierra Leone. 

A mystery person in Dallas, Texas is the first to be diagnosed with Ebola in the U.S. The city of Dallas released a statement saying that he or she "moved to Dallas from Liberia a week ago." The CDC is on the case and tells us that the patient is very ill and in intensive care. They arrived to the U.S. on the 20th and presented with symptoms 4 days later. Now it is up to the CDC to find everyone the patient had contact with over the last 4 days and isolate those people for 3 weeks while they are monitored for symptoms. Ebola is not spread through the air like the flu, it is spread through bodily fluids, but if you shook hands with this person you would have to be isolated for at least 3 weeks! 

Ebola under a microscope

 "Every morning we only open one of our centers for 30 minutes, just to admit people who can fill in the beds of the people who died overnight. This is how bad it is. And the rest of the day, we are turning patients back home to go and infect their neighbors and loved ones. So this is not at all under control."

Liu, the President of Doctors without Borders explains the desperation of the situation in an Ebola treatment center headed by Doctors Without Borders in Monrovia, Liberia's capital.

What is Ebola?

Ebola virus disease, also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a debilitating illness transmitted to people by animals (such as bats) with a fatality rate of about 50%, but fatality rates have ranged from 25 to 90% in recent outbreaks.  

What needs to be done in order to keep outbreaks under control?

It is important that the community is involved in recognizing the signs and symptoms of Ebola, tracing where someone may have contracted the virus, reliable laboratory services and safe burials.

How do you treat Ebola?

Fluids, fluids, fluids and treatment of symptoms as they arise. Per the WHO, "There are currently no licensed Ebola vaccines but 2 potential candidates are undergoing evaluation." These vaccines have been used in cases with some success.

Where is the Ebola outbreak exactly?

This is the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history. This outbreak is particularly concerning because in the past, Ebola has been confined to small villages near rain forests, but now it is being found in major populated cities like Freetown in Sierra Leone. President Obama recently pledged to do more in terms of sending health care workers to West Africa as well as $$$. The map below outlines the countries affected. Nigeria's outbreak is reportedly under control.












What can I do to help?

Click here ---> FIGHT EBOLA

Volunteers of the United Nations Development Program raise awareness by teaching school children the symptoms of Ebola

"There is still a significant gap between where we are and where we need to be," Obama said. "We know from experience that the response to an outbreak of this magnitude has to be fast, and it has to be sustained. It's a marathon, but you have to run it like a sprint." - President Obama

Do you think people from countries that are known to have active EBOLA outbreaks should be allowed to travel abroad?