The world’s media has been awash with news on the Ebola epidemic for quite a while now. From memes to in-house discussions by Collective Voice, the world is finally trying to put the panic caused by #EbolaMania into perspective. Here’s an attempt , involving infographics, to provide clear, understanding on Ebola and it’s impact. What is Ebola? Ebola is a haemorrhagic disease caused by infection with one of the five known Ebola viruses. Ebola is known to cause disease in humans and non-human primates alike. It was first discovered in 1976 near Ebola River in present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo. (CDC) Where is the most-recent Ebola outbreak? The current outbreak is the largest and most complex outbreak since the disease was discovered in 1976. There have been more cases and deaths in this outbreak than all others combined and the disease has been seen to spread between countries starting in Guinea then spreading across land borders to Sierra Leone and Liberia, by air (1 traveller only) to Nigeria, and by land (1 traveller) to Senegal. There are also 3 cases and 1 death in the United States of America, and 1 female nurse in Spain that contracted the virus.

How is Ebola spread? But first, how is Ebola NOT spread?

Ebola is spread through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person, dead or alive, or objects contaminated with the virus or touching infected fruit bats or primates. Ebola can only be spread to others after the victim starts exhibiting symptoms. How to prevent, cure and control Ebola? Unfortunately, there is no official cure for Ebola. This article was written by Mercy Angela Nantongo . Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: Courtesy of CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)