Fever, headache, sore throat—this illness starts bad. It quickly gets worse. The virus is Ebola, and several countries in Africa are battling the dangerous disease.
There have been 10 known Ebola outbreaks—all in Africa. The first cases appeared in 1976. Following those, outbreaks large and small cropped up across the continent.
The first sign of Ebola infection is usually a high fever. Then come weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. Vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and bleeding often follow. Eventually, the patient’s internal organs fail. Sadly, Ebola kills 50-90% of persons infected.
Scientists think the Ebola virus begins in wild animals. Monkeys and gorillas have been infected. Most commonly, fruit bats carry Ebola. Humans get Ebola by contact with a live infected animal or by eating infected raw meat.
Humans pass the virus to others when broken skin comes in contact with infected blood, mucus, or other body fluids—even sweat. That puts doctors and nurses at the greatest risk. A nurse taking blood could become infected through a paper cut.
Health workers must wear protective clothing while caring for infected patients. This may include gloves, masks, gowns, rubber boots, and eye shields.
The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa is the largest ever. More than 3,000 cases have been reported. At least 2,000 deaths have occurred in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
There is currently no cure for Ebola. Good hygiene is the best defense against spreading the disease.
Christians should not despair about Ebola and other illnesses. It’s true that death and disease are results of mankind’s fall. But God’s continued mercy and goodness allow scientists to make progress against diseases like Ebola. Nothing is outside God’s sovereign control. We can take comfort in that. (Proverbs 16:4)
