The recently declared Ebola outbreak is rapidly escalating as the virus spreads across borders. The World Health Organization has now deemed it a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” and as of this week, there are more than 900+ suspected cases and hundreds of deaths. UNICEF has also designated the situation the highest level of emergency and has dedicated millions of dollars in emergency funding towards fighting the spread of infection.
The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that this specific outbreak has been primarily related to the Bundibugyo strain of the broader Orthoebolavirus budibugyoense species, posing a novel challenge as there are not as many medical countermeasures available as with other strains.
Signs and symptoms of infection include fever, aches and pains, headaches, weakness, fatigue and cold like symptoms. Later complications may entail unexplained bleeding and GI symptoms, weight loss, shortness of breath and seizures. Per the CDC, the spread of Ebola virus primarily occurs when skin or mucous membranes such as in the eyes, nose or mouth come in contact with blood or fluids from another person infected with Ebola, or with objects contaminated with infected bodily fluids, or with infected animals that are common carriers for the virus, including bats, primates and antelopes. However, most scientists and virologists explain that there is still a lot left to be learned about the virus, especially about survivors of the disease and how protected they are from previous infections.
The CDC has reassured the public that as of May 18th, there are no suspected, probable or confirmed cases related to the outbreak in the United States; nevertheless, the organization has issued travel notices for individuals traveling to African nations that are facing a high prevalence of infection. Experts also explain that the fact that the virus is primarily transmitted through contact with bodily fluids is “not an especially efficient mode of transmission” unlike other airborne viruses, such as Covid-19. Therefore, they contend that the risk to places like the US are relatively lower when compared to countries directly neighboring outbreak regions: “For the average American, the risk of exposure from travelers coming from African countries where Ebola is present is ‘extremely low’ at this time but not totally inexistent, making it more of a “theoretical risk’…Just be alert, think about where you are, and, if you see someone who’s ill…exercise extra caution.”
Travelers and those that have been around potential sick contacts should nevertheless exercise excess caution and keep a low threshold to seek medical care. The incubation period (the time between exposure and symptom onset) can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, meaning that individuals may not always be aware that they have been infected. Therefore, it is important to keep a high level of vigilance, especially if there is risk of being near someone that has been infected or traveling to places where spread or transmission rates may be high. Finally, individuals should not hesitate to seek professional medical help if they have any concerns. Given just how devastating the disease can be, an abundance of caution is undoubtedly justified.
