Photo: corbisIMAGES
Deadly virus
It is one of the most dangerous diseases worldwide: Ebola. A particularly aggressive virus that is fatal in most cases. 9 out of 10 people die. Experts worry: never before has the deadly virus been as widespread as it is today.
What is Ebola? Ebola is a particularly aggressive virus strain that is fatal in most cases. The most widespread in the world is the so-called 'Zaire tribe', the most aggressive and lethal pathogen. The big problem: In the past, the virus only appeared sporadically. Today it is distributed worldwide, the extent often unknown.
How does the disease express itself? The incubation period of Ebola is three weeks. This means that the infected person does not show the first symptoms until three weeks after the infection. At the beginning, the virus behaves like a normal cold . Diarrhea, vomiting and fever with internal and external hemorrhages (haemorrhagic fever) quickly follow. Ebola is highly contagious and is transmitted by blood and other body fluids.
What can you do about it? There is no therapy or vaccine against the virus. It seems that medicine is powerless. Doctors can alleviate the symptoms that appear, but not stifle the virus in its germ. The only thing they can give to their patients is medication for fever and pain or an infusion for dehydration. Once the infected lose consciousness, there is little chance of survival. In most cases, death occurs 10-14 days after the first symptoms appear. The treating physicians may be protected only by suits and glasses, with the infected contact.
Why can nobody help those affected? Almost 40 years ago, the Ebola virus was first discovered. Since then, 1, 500 people have died from the aggressive virus strain, most of them in the poorer regions of Africa. In order to invest in proper research, the virus has not been seen enough worldwide. Experts agree: A fundamental change to the hygiene rules in Africa could already slow down the virus. For more money is simply missing.
Do we have to worry about Germany? The fear of an Ebola epidemic in Germany is growing. According to experts, this is completely unfounded. Even if travelers brought the deadly virus to Germany, our hospitals would be prepared for it. Nine isolation stations distributed across the entire federal territory are to be transformed into quarantine stations within a few hours by specially trained personnel. A possible contagion is thus prevented and a fast supply secured.
