Ebola

On the plus side it isn't in the interest of a virus to completely wipe out it's host I suppose. Did anyone see the programme about crocodiles? They can actually eat animals that have died of anthrax because their bodies have ways of coping with such things. In fact, eveything about them is pretty amazing. They even hibernate when it gets very hot.

We see ourselves as top of the food chain, but viruses are the strongest organisms on the planet. They reproduce rapidly and can mutate to enhance their survival. We have a battle on our hands here, and we should not assume that our bigger brains mean we will always come out on top.

(That reminds me - must get a flu jab!)

What worries me most about viruses is their ability to mutate.

Apparently there are different strains of the Ebola virus and this is one of the most virulent.

It seems the world has actually woken up to this today?

70% deaths and another case in Texas......

I have seen two 'experts' wheeled out on Sky who gave different opinions as to whether or not the disease is contagious during the incubation period. One said no, not until symptoms are exhibited, and the other said yes, right from the time the disease is contracted. Hmm....

Yes. I heard that on Radio 4 Stansgran. Mixed blessing eh?

Seems both we and the US have to learn from this!

I read elsewhere that because Nigeria has one of the last pockets of polio in the world and WHO are well represented there to deal with it they were able to turn their expertise towards that incident .

Congratulations are in order for Nigeria for 'quashing' their outbreak of Ebola quite quickly and if Nigeria can do it, I don't understand why people are worried that the UK can't.

For those interested: www.ft.com/cms/s/2/4769ca32-52c4-11e4-a236-00144feab7de.html#axzz3G8SHH9XC

Ebola can infect some mammals...I haven't found a clear statement of which can catch it and which can transmit it without getting the disease.

I think they were playing safe by putting down the dog.

One of the things that happens in Ebola is that there is bleeding from eyes,ears etc.
Healthcare workers have to deal with that.
The virus is transmitted through body fluids, so that is why they are at risk and need the heavy protectioin.

And they put down that nurses dog in case it could infect people. I find that worrying.

Can anyone please explain why we're getting mixed messages?

We're being expected to believe told that ebola isn't easily spread, providing people take basic hygiene precautions, then there is the indisputable fact that health workers, who a fully aware of the dangers and kitted out in protective gear are catching this virus.

These two pieces of information are contradictory.

Let's bear in mind that the only person who has been treated for it in the UK got better, and no one else got infected.
Yes, it is a dreadful tragedy for West Africa, and we should be giving them all the help possible, whatever that might be, but the disease is not spread like flu, and with normal hygiene practices it won't be a problem in developed countries.

No, jing He wasn't dead scared, he just started thinking about it reasonably, which is what I wanted.
My daughter had been going up the wall at being scoffed at - and she then calmed down.

I'm worrying about the people going out to help with hospital building and coming in contact with the disease unwittingly bringing it back. Once home they will disperse back to their families. I don't think it's a problem where good hygiene is the norm .

What is the partner actually going to be able to do about it? Answer: Nothing. Like the rest of us. So, stop worrying!

In other words, you put the fear of God in the poor bloke.

Found my daughter very worried and uptight on Sunday because her partner and son were scoffing about the danger of Ebola here.
She put the news on and went down to make tea, I stayed and we all listened.....and talked a bit....and by the time she came up again, her partner was beginning to think about it seriously...

I think it's just easier for some people to ignore things that would worry them if they had to think about it - seen the same with my sister (who is a scientist!) and climate change.

David Beckham is getting involved. Good.

Looking at Freetown, it reminds me of several places I've visited in third world countries - a strange mixture of luxury hotels and shanty towns. I'd be interested to know if ebola has penetrated into the middle class areas or if it is mainly restricted to poorer areas. This might give us a clearer picture.

Don't they have water and a sewage system in Freetown?

Thanks Whitewave
Sounds like an outbreak of logic and reason!