The Ebola Virus. Over 40 questions and answers in plain English.

Contents

What is a virus?
How do viruses spread?
How do viruses multiply inside the body?
What are the body’s defences against viruses?
What is the Ebola virus?
What does the Ebola virus do inside the body?
What are the symptoms of Ebola?
How does the Ebola virus spread?
Can the virus spread as soon as a person is infected?
Can it be spread through food?
Can the virus spread in the air?
Can the virus spread on surfaces?
How long does the virus survive outside the body?
Can you catch Ebola from physical touch such as a handshake?
Can I catch Ebola when handling mail?
Can Ebola be transmitted through mosquitoes?
Can migratory birds transmit the virus?
Can Ebola transmit through the skin?
Is there more than one type of Ebola virus?
If infected what are the chances of surviving?
What happens to pregnant women with Ebola?
Is it safe to breast feed if a person has suspected Ebola?
What animals can be infected?
What are the signs that a person will die when contracting Ebola?
If I meet someone who I later discover has the Ebola virus should I be worried?
Once Ebola has been contracted how long will the person survive?
Have people survived the Ebola virus?
What happens to people who have survived?
What is the current state of the epidemic?
What steps are governments taking to control this virus?
Who is tested at airport screening?
When did the first case of Ebola occur?
Does Ebola stay alive and active after the victim dies?
How many people have died from Ebola?
Is there a cure or vaccine?
How is it that the virus has existed since 1967
Why is there still no cure after almost 40 years?
If someone survives Ebola, can he or she still spread the virus?
If infected what are the chances of surviving
Who is at the highest risk of being infected?
If a person recovers from Ebola are they immune?
How can I protect myself?
What does “direct contact” mean?