The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a contagious illness that belongs to a family of viruses known as filoviruses. The EVD is native to Africa and causes hemorrhagic fever – a potentially fatal condition that can lead to severe bleeding and organ failure. In Liberia and other surrounding countries, the impact of the Ebola epidemic is significant, with over 28,000 cases of EVD reported. This not only affected their health, but also their economy and ability to continue developing a civil society.
As an organization focused on community safety in Liberia, we will discuss what you should know about the Ebola virus.
Symptoms of Ebola typically exhibit between 8 to 10 days after infection. Early symptoms include fever, joint and muscle aches, severe headache, and fatigue. As time passes, the symptoms worsen and may include bruising, bleeding from the eyes, nausea, severe weight loss, chest pain, and internal bleeding.
Scientists are still unclear where the Ebola virus originated, but they believe that fruit bats are the likely hosts. Bats that carry the virus transfer it to other animals, while humans contract the virus through close contact with infected animals. They then spread the virus through bodily fluids and secretions. Other risk factors of EVD include treating or caring for infected people and traveling to areas in Africa where the outbreaks occurred.
Community Safety Initiative (CSI) is a community organization in Monrovia, Liberia fighting against Ebola in Rural Liberia. In partnership with Mercy Corps, we have implemented the Ebola Community Action Platform (E-CAP 1) to reduce or eliminate the transmission of EVD.
To learn more about our disaster response program, feel free to get in touch with us.
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