The Ebola virus has been found in African chimps, monkeys, and other primates. It is believed that the virus is transmitted to humans from an infected animal through its bodily fluids; if anyone butchers or eats an infected animal, the disease can spread to humans, who can then trasmit the disease via their bodily fluids.
Risk Factors
An infected person doesn’t become contagious until symptoms appear, such as a high fever, severe headache, chills, weakness, and joint and muscle aches. These symptoms usually emerge within five to ten days of being infected. For most people, contracting this virus is very unlikely. The risk factor increases if you live in Africa or have traveled to Africa. Those with the highest risk factors include the following:
- Anyone in the health care profession who has cared for patients infected with the Ebola virus. It is imperative that medics wear protective gear, such as gloves, gowns, goggles, and surgical masks.
- Anyone who works in a laboratory who comes in contact with bodily fluids from a person infected with the Ebola virus.
- Anyone who works in research with animals such as bats, primates, or rats in an area where the Ebola virus has occurred.
- Anyone who has been involved with funeral rites in which direct exposure has occurred with human remains where the Ebola virus outbreak is happening. Family members are at a very high risk, as they care for those in their family who have been infected or have died.
- Anyone who has traveled to Africa where the Ebola outbreak has recently occurred.
Even if someone survives from the virus, recovery is very slow. It may take months to regain strength and weight that has been lost. To prevent exposure to Ebola, avoid traveling to any areas where an outbreak has happened. Avoid all contact with someone infected with the disease. Infected patients must be put into isolation immediately to prevent spreading the virus.
