The Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014 was incredibly severe and made many headlines across the globe. Approximately 28,000 people were infected with Ebola and more than 11, 000 people died of the virus. Officially, the international emergency came to an end in June 2016. The epidemic lasted around 2 years and most of the cases offered in Libera, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. The first cases were reported in Sierra Leone in 2014, and the healthcare system was completely overwhelmed by the large number of cases. Because few people in West Africa knew about the virus, it spread rapidly and killed many, especially in urban areas. The virus spread so fast partly because those who were sick and died at home were cleaned by families for burial, and they use improper sanitation technique.
Ebola is a virus that is found in nonhuman primates and people. In 1976 Ebola was first found around the Ebola river in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Though scientists do not know where Ebola comes from, they think that animals are the source, most likely primates or bats. The virus is spread via direct contact with body fluids like blood and semen. When someone touches an infected person’s body fluid, it can infect others through mucus membranes. Additionally, people can spread Ebola through sex and can remain in fluids like semen after recovery.
I first realized epidemics exist or could happen with the Ebola epidemic in 2014. I remember being scared and sad for the people in West Africa. I still believe it is incredible how fast some diseases can be spread, and how long it can take for epidemics to die down. Personally, I believe we need to educate more people about diseases and viruses. If people new how to properly wash their hands and deal with sick people, less epidemics will occur. After COVID-19, I hope more people will be aware of the importance of washing hands and educating others about cleanliness. Hopefully, there will not be any more severe Ebola epidemics in the future.
Micro Madness 