NBC is reporting that the deadliest ever ‘out of control’ outbreak of Ebola is spreading across West Africa and is likely to get even worse.
The infection has spread and killed at least 300 people in three countries, with many cases going unreported and with some people who are fleeing the virus spreading it even further across the continent. Scientists are reporting that it is nearly impossible to track down everyone who may be infected.
Doctors Without Borders reported last Friday that the infection is currently out of control. International experts have mobilized over 100 people on the ground to fight the epidemic. ‘‘The reality is clear that the epidemic is now in a second wave,’’ Bart Janssens, operations director for Doctors Without Borders in Brussels, told the AP. ‘‘And, for me, it is totally out of control.’’
The deadly disease causes fevers, organ failure and bleeding from the eyes and mouth before it kills the victim. The previous highest death count from outbreak was in the Congo in 1976 when 280 people died. The 90% death rate associated with the virus generally is what prevents the disease from spreading too quickly, but when the virus enters a highly populated area such as the current situation it can spread further much more quickly.
There is no treatment or cure for Ebola.
