Sure we’ve all heard in the news of the deadly Ebola virus spreading through West Africa. But what, if anything, do most of us know about this deadly virus? According to Wikipedia Ebola is described like this:
Symptoms typically start two days to three weeks after contracting the virus, with a fever, sore throat, muscle pains, and headaches. Typically nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea follow, along with decreased functioning of the liver and kidneys. At this point, some people begin to have bleeding problems.
All in all, sounds rather nasty, and with a mortality rate between 50-90%, deadly as well.
The question is how deadly is this virus? With a high mortality rate, it is deadly, and it should be a concern. Currently it is known to spread through contact of bodily fluids or blood. That means its good news about not being air-born yet, and at the moment requires direct contact.
However, it is a virus which requires constant vigilance against, like many such viruses. It does not take pity on the poor, or the rich, does not worry about safety measures, or YOLO. All it requires is a chance to get free and multiply.
For that reason bringing afflicted people into the country only increases the chance for it to go public in North America. Everyone dealing with patients with the virus must be on constant alert. They cannot take a second off. Its not like the border, where if a few go free it does matter.
Of course, with our border so unsecure, it is unknown if carriers have crossed. The chances are slim, and other diseases are more common to be coming over. Still its always better to safe and cautious than have to treat for an outbreak among 300+ million US citizens.
Ebola deserves respect, from all involved. Bringing it across the Atlantic might be a bad idea. Hopefully nothing happens, but always respect it.