August 3, 2014 — What actually happens when a person has Ebola?” is an informative article about the current outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa. To be sure, Ebola has not caused disease (to date) in the United States.
Excerpts from this article:
- “The worst outbreak of Ebola virus in history — happening now in West Africa — has claimed more than 700 lives, according to the latest count from the World Health Organization. The deaths occurred in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria.”
- “This outbreak is moving faster than our efforts to control it” — Margaret Chan, chief of the World Health Organization.
- “Right now you’re seeing with supportive care, there’s a 60 percent mortality in the field” — Nahid Bhadelia, M.D.
- Ebola may cause bleeding from the eyes and ears — it is therefore officially known as “Ebola hemorrhagic fever,” which, caused by the Ebola virus, was first recognized in Africa in 1976.
- The Ebola virus is not transmitted through the air. Rather, infection requires direct contact with the virus through exposure to the bodily fluids of a human who is infected and symptomatic.
Commentary by Dr. Muscarella to follow soon.