Ebola - what is it, and could it become a global pandemic similar to the likes of Covid?

What is Ebola and why is this outbreak dangerous?   

• It’s a very severe viral illness that causes fever, vomiting, bleeding, and organ failure.   
• Up to 50% of patients die.   
• It’s spread by contact with body fluids such as blood or saliva.   
• This is a rare sub-type with no specific vaccine or treatment, unlike previous outbreaks of the more common Zaire strain.   

Why is Ebola a problem in Africa?   

• Most outbreaks are in Central Africa as the virus comes from animals such as fruit bats found in tropical forests.   
• Many of affected areas have poor healthcare, shortages of hospitals, health workers, and poor protective equipment.   
• Political instability and conflict complicate dealing with outbreak.   
• Community mistrust and traditional burial practices can spread Ebola, as bodies are still infectious.   

Could Ebola become a global pandemic like Covid? Should we be concerned?   

• It’s highly unlikely as Ebola is much less efficient at spreading.     
• There are three key reasons for this:   
  • Ebola spreads by direct contact with body fluids, Covid spread though air and coughing – therefore it’s more infectious.   
  • Covid can spread with no symptoms. Ebola can only spread when symptoms become apparent. 
  • People become very sick very quickly and do not move around, which limits spread. 
• Basically, a global pandemic occurs when people move around/travel and spread the virus, and Ebola’s severe symptoms limit this spread.   
• A vaccine for this strain is probably about six months away.  

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