It’s no doubt that the new disease everybody enjoys to panic and freak out about is Ebola. In case you haven’t been keeping up with the news, here’s what you need to know.
There have been four cases of the disease in America so far. One of the patients at this point has died. The three remaining patients are as follows: a healthcare worker at Texas Presbyterian Hospital who has been released as of October 24, a second healthcare worker at the same hospital who has been confirmed to carry the disease has been receiving care in Atlanta, Georgia. The final case, and maybe the most known, is Dr. Craig Spencer who lives in New York City. He has been quarantined as of October 24.
Since this case, New England has been freaking out about the disease. As more and more doctors from West Africa return, quarantines and Ebola tests have been given out rapidly. Maine nurse, Kaci Hickok, made national news on October 29, when she was found bike riding while supposedly under house quarantine. This event has since been dealt with. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has proposed no deal with the nurse, who hasn’t been confirmed to have Ebola yet. The CDC has been trying to enforce stricter measures to make sure another event like this will not happen again. Finally, as a result of the outbreak, the demand for hazmat suits has skyrocketed. So, next time you leave your house, don’t find it too strange if you see one of your neighbors fully decked out in yellow hazmat gear.
As of today, no cure has been reported, but doctors have been finding ways to combat the disease. These treatments include doctors artificially balancing the patient’s electrolyte levels. Ebola, as a disease, is known to make patients dehydrated and weary. So far, doctors have reported signs of remission when the treatment is active.
Ebola might sound like a scary, life-threatening disease destined to eliminate us all, but as of today, you have nothing to worry about.