(Work in progress)
Overview
The 2014 Ebola Outbreak is an epidemic of the Ebola virus disease that began in Guinea, Africa in March 2014. After spreading to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a “Public health emergency of international concern.”
About the Disease
When contracted by humans, the Ebola virus induces a disease that can cause fever, sore throat, muscle pains, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased functioning of the liver and kidneys, bleeding problems. Between 50% and 90% of those infected with the virus are killed by the disease. The virus transmits through contact with blood or other bodily fluids from infected animals, including humans monkeys and fruit bats. Treatment for those infected includes re-hydration and administering intravenous fluids. A cure for the disease has yet to be discovered.
Background
The Ebola virus disease was first identified in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1976. On March 25th, 2014, the WHO announced they had received reports of an Ebola virus outbreak occurring in Guinea with a total of 86 suspected cases (59 deaths). On March 31st, a team of five sent by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control was dispatched to Guinea to assist the Guinea Ministry of Health with handling the outbreak. Within one month, 242 cases had been reported with 142 deaths. On May 23rd, the virus reached the Guinea capital city Conakry.
Notable Developments
International Spread
Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria
Conspiracy Theories
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Online Reaction
On Reddit
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