With recent Ebola cases diagnosed in Dallas and New York City, many Americans are concerned about the virus spreading. Unfortunately, it is more likely than not that there will be more diagnosed cases in the United States. With that in mind, rolling out would like to inform you about the facts, as we know them, about Ebola.
Ebola has plagued Africa for decades, with the first outbreak occurring in 1976, but it hasn’t been talked about in the United States until recently. While there are a lot of misconceptions about Ebola, here is what we know to be true about it and how it is contracted.
Ebola is a virus that, when contracted, can lead to severe symptoms. It can also be fatal. The only known way to contract Ebola is through direct contact with someone who has the virus. Touching the body fluids of someone with the virus, which includes blood, vomit, urine, feces, and sweat, or items soiled with these fluids, can lead to contracting the virus.
If you, or someone you know has symptoms that are similar to those associated with Ebola, including fever, stomach pain, headache, diarrhea, weakness or vomiting, tell your doctor or call 911 immediately.
After the confirmation of the Ebola case in Harlem, New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio released a statement yesterday. “Today, a patient at Bellevue Hospital tested positive for Ebola. But let me be clear: There is no reason for New Yorkers to be alarmed. Ebola is an extremely hard disease to contract. It is only transmitted through bodily fluids — not simply by being near an infected person. New York City has the world’s finest public health system. We are highly prepared and 100 percent committed to keeping all New Yorkers safe.” The Mayor also received a reassuring phone call from President Obama.
So whether you live in New York City or Dallas, there isn’t any need to be panicked. There is a need for a heightened sense of alert, which includes taking some health precautions that you may not have done previously. Stay tuned to rolling out for more information on this and other breaking news stories.
