6 facts you need to know about Ebola

(1) Ebola outbreak started in West Africa: According to the World Health Organization, around 3,500 people have died of from an outbreak of Ebola in West Africa. Another strain of the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed at least 41. WHO says there could be as many as 20,000 cases by Nov. 2 if control does not improve. (2) Ebola is a bloody disease: Also called haemorraghic fever, Ebola operates by making its victims bleed from almost anywhere on their body. Usually, victims bleed to death from Ebola. (3) Ebola is contagious: Ebola is highly contagious, being transmitted via contact with body fluids such as blood, saliva, semen or body discharges. Contact with the body of someone who has died from Ebola is also dangerous and can spread the virus. Contact with an animal that is carrying the virus - usually fruit bats & monkeys should also be avoided. (4) Ebola causes death: Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness, with a case fatality rate of up to 90%. It's one of the deadliest diseases in the world, killing in a few weeks. (5) Ebola is unfortunately untreatable: It has no known cure, but victims can be treated for symptoms and have been known to recover with intensive care. There is no vaccine to prevent Ebola. Vaccines in development have been effective at preventing Ebola infections in animal studies. (6) You can protect yourself from Ebola: Wash your hands with soap and water and use a good hand sanitizer; Keep a clean environment as the virus cannot survive disinfectants, heat, direct sunlight, detergents and soaps; Report any suspicious symptoms in yourself or anyone else immediately you notice them; Use protective gear if you must care or go near someone you suspect has Ebola; Spread the word about Ebola as you're safer when everyone is educated about the virus; Some animals are reservoirs of the virus so it might be better to restrict yourself to food you prepared yourself. ...

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