Ebola’s Escape From Africa Unlikely Though Not Impossible

The Ebola outbreak in Africa is terrifying: Flu-like symptoms appear two days to three weeks after infection; about half of the people who contract the disease die, though early treatment could reduce the fatality rate. There is no cure, and Ebola is spread by direct contact with infected person’s bodily fluids: “While an infected person who sneezes or coughs directly in another person’s face could infect that person, Ebola primarily enters the body through tiny cuts or abrasions, or through mucus membranes of the eyes, nose, ears and mouth,” notes a physician interviewed by Bloomberg reporters. “The physical effect of the virus makes it less likely to spread through air travel.” Caregivers are susceptible, and most are shown wearing full protection gear. WHO urges health providers around the globe to be on the lookout for early symptoms; a handful of carriers and countries have cancelled flights from infected areas; and airports could conduct more screenings. In a mobile world, Ebola is just a plane ride away. – YaleGlobal