The world is once again gripped by a dread that is synonymous to that caused by the onset and spread of AIDS (Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome) in the 1980’s and 90’s. This disease which has been named as Ebola (after the Congo/Zaire river in Africa) has terrorized people around the globe who fear the emergence of yet another epidemic.

According to researchers, the first case of Ebola appeared in a boy with the name Emile Ouamouno who was a resident of a small village, Meliandou, in Southern Guinea. His symptoms included high fever, black stool and excessive vomiting, leading to his death just four days after the onset of fever. His death was immediately followed by the death of several of his family members, including his grandmother who was treated in a hospital 80 Km from the village. The doctor who treated her also caught the disease and died, spreading the disease to his family members in Macenta. The disease spread quickly in surrounding countries and was declared as extremely contagious.

Ebola in general can be defined as a transmittable and lethal disease caused by the Ebola virus which is spread through contact via body fluids that have been infected with the virus and is characterized by high fever, headaches, Joint and muscle pains, nausea, vomiting and severe internal bleeding. No antiviral drug has yet resulted in a positive outcome for curing the disease. The doctors instead are opting for treating the various symptoms as they appear. Providing intravenous fluids, maintaining a balance of the body salts, keeping up with the blood loss by replacing it, providing oxygen and keeping a check on the patient’s blood pressure are a few treatments that have helped in curing some Ebola patients. This treatment is facilitated when coupled with a strong immune system.