Key Questions About the Epidemic

Given the US government federal, state, and local authorities utter incompetence in  dealing with the Dallas case, we have to prepare to deal with the Ebola epidemic using our own wits. So here´s an article which explains the basics: 

What Is the Ebola Virus's Survival Rate?

And Other Key Questions About the EpidemicThe first case of Ebola has been diagnosed in the United States.

BY SOPHIE NOVACK, SAM BAKER AND DUSTIN VOLZ

1. What is the Ebola virus's survival rate?

The average Ebola survival rate is about 50 percent, according to the World Health Organization, but it varies greatly, in part because of the different medical resources available to treat different patients.

In past outbreaks, all of which have been in Africa, survival rates ranged from 25 percent to 90 percent.

The actual survival rate in the current outbreak in West Africa could be far lower, as many cases have gone unreported. American Ebola survivor Kent Brantly said his clinic in Liberia had only one survivor in a month and a half of treating patients.

Among patients treated in the U.S., the survival rate is 100 percent so far. Previously, four patients already diagnosed with Ebola had been taken to the U.S. for emergency care. Two were treated and released from Emory University Hospital, one was treated and released from Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, and a fourth is currently in treatment at Emory. A fifth American who was exposed to the disease in Sierra Leone was brought to the National Institutes of Health this week for monitoring and participation in a research study.

2. Is there a cure for Ebola?

No. The first people treated for Ebola inside the U.S. lived, but no one knows exactly why. A few drugs are being developed and have been used, but we don't know whether they worked or simpler interventions did the job on their own. There's also no vaccine, though one is being tested by the National Institutes of Health. Officials didn't say whether the U.S. patient would receive an experimental medicine.

3. What is the incubation period for Ebola?

The incubation period for Ebola can span anywhere from two to 21 days. Symptoms most often begin to appear eight to 10 days after exposure.

4. How does Ebola spread?

Ebola is not airborne. It is spread through bodily fluids, and patients are contagious only while they're displaying symptoms.

5. What are the disease's symptoms?

The early signs of Ebola can be similar to flu-like symptoms, including: fever, severe headaches, general weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bruising or bleeding. In its later stages, according to the NIH, the disease causes a severe rash; bleeding from the eyes, nose, mouth, and rectum; and death.

Read more at the National Journal:

http://www.nationaljournal.com/health-care/what-is-the-ebola-virus-survival-rate-and-other-key-questions-about-the-epidemic-20140930