Naturally, there is a lot of fear being spread about the potential of an Ebola outbreak. While some of these fears are justified, a lot of them aren't based on the science of Ebola transmission. Because of this, I thought it would be helpful to post the official description of Ebola and how it's transmitted from the WHO website. This will allow us as science communicators to be informed about this virus and potentially explain the realities of this virus to guests.
Here is a question and answer page from the CDC about Ebola.
This is a link to the Ebola page on the website for Doctors Without Borders, one of the most respected charities in the world. It has really great information about their efforts to contain the problem, as well as tallies on how Ebola has affected Northwest Africa. I think it's important to remember those that are fighting off the disease and dealing with its consequences everyday.
Posted by Aleksandr
I've had a couple of good discussions these last 2 days while doing the "Germs" cart. Everyone understood and agreed that there is very little probability of contracting the disease.
ReplyDeleteOne father asked, more to confirm his own understanding, about the difference between a virus being areosolized as with a sneeze or cough and it being airbourne.