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https://theconversation.com/health-authorities-are-racing-to-contain-ebola-in-the-drc-and-uganda-heres-whats-making-it-so-challenging-283276>
"The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a rising Ebola
epidemic, with almost 600 cases detected so far and more than 130 deaths.
Ebola is a rare virus that initially causes a fever, fatigue, muscle pain, then
vomiting and diarrhoea. It can then progress to the hemorrhagic stage, with
internal bleeding – which presents as blood in vomit and faeces – as well as
bleeding as from parts of the body including the nose, gums, vagina and needle
punctures.
Ebola primarily spreads through contact with bodily fluids such as blood,
faeces and vomit. It can be contracted from contaminated surfaces or contact
with bodies of those who have died, but can also spread by other routes
including without contact.
This current outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, was first
confirmed as Ebola on May 15. It was already estimated to have 246 cases at the
time of this confirmation.
As surveillance efforts stepped up, it became clear the outbreak was more than
double that size, with spread to Uganda.
So what are health authorities doing to get the virus under control and why is
it such a challenge?
And what can health authorities in Africa, as well as the rest of the world,
learn from previous outbreaks?"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
