The ebola virus seems to have made global headlines and attracted attention it fully deserves. Even though, Ebola is believed to have broken out first in 1976 among cotton workers in Nzara of present day South Sudan its causes and medicines were unknown. And when in 2004, it resurfaced in Yambio County of South Sudan, its causes and medication was still a myth that doctors and researchers were still experimenting with and was never considered a 'serious' disease until February 2014.
More to that, Ebola is a virus that causes Ebola hemorrhagic fever and is caused by four classified in the genus of ebolavirus, family of filoviridae and order of mononegavirales. And in accordance to its location of occurrence the virus can be called different names such as Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), Ebola virus (EBOV), Sudan virus (SUDV) and Tai Forest virus ( TAFV).
Furthermore in 2004, five people died from the twenty reported cases and it is in this year that doctors were able to determine the early symptoms and possible sources of infection. And in accordance to a report by BBC news report dated 1st of August, outlines Ebola symptoms includes high fever, bleeding, and central nervous system damage while its incubation period is two to 21 days and fruit bats are considered to be virus'natural host.
With the above history, causes and symptoms outlined, I believe ebola is a serious disease that every government has to put up preventive measures to combat its spread. And I would like to urge African government to educate its people about this deadly diseases because Africa's future and pride is at stake.
More to that, according to statistics Ebola has claimed 729 lives in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra leone from February to date, and must be taken seriously ,though its disappointing how most African countries believed ebola was some form of witchcraft, hence, leading to its fast spread. In line with the above, I believe its possible to observe and respect cultural practices while promoting behavioral and hygienic changes and lifestyles.
And according to the fact sheet by the world health organisation (WHO), ebola infection in africa has been documented through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines while its spreading has been linked to human to human transmission, with infection resulting from direct contact with blood,secretions,organs or other bodily fluids of infected people.
With the above figures, I hope a clear picture is painted with the statistics of the victims, for Ebola is a serious disease that must be taken seriously just like other killer diseases such as HIV/AIDS to name a few. And it is important to understand that, Ebola is not an 'only african disease' , but a human disease that is able to infect and affect people of different continents and walks of lives, therefore, lying a blind eye or deaf ear to the current Ebola crisis wont help because its either you are affected or infected with Ebola directly or indirectly hence lets all advocate and educate against this killer called Ebola.
In conclusion, the Ebola outbreak is 'catatrophic' and an enemy to both global and african peace and stability respectively. Despite, its catatrophic effect I would like to commend several medical personnel and individuals of goodwell that risk their lives for the cause of humanity and other financial and missionary organisation that work day and night to see an end to this crisis. For the world appreciates your efforts and contribution.
