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In reply to the discussion: What We’re Afraid to Say About Ebola [View all]CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)97. Ebola jumped from piglets-->monkeys (possible airborne transmission)
http://healthmap.org/site/diseasedaily/article/pigs-monkeys-ebola-goes-airborne-112112
The article outlines a situation in which piglets with Ebola were caged and in the same room with
monkeys. No contact between the animals happened. Ebola jumped from the piglets to the monkeys
and the researchers never did conclude why. However, they acknowledge that airborne transmission is
definitely a possibility.
It's possible that it was transmitted via the air. Researchers can't definitely conclude how animals--that
never had direct contact with infected animals--contracted Ebola.
Another point: The American doctors who came down with Ebola were following CDC guidelines to the letter.
They were suited up and gloved and following strict procedures. They got it. How did that happen?
It's possible that this virus is mutating. With so many victims, it is possible that the virus is getting smarter.
Maybe it's not airborne in all cases, but maybe some of the cases.
I'm not a virologist. I don't know. However, there is something different this time. We've had Ebola outbreaks
in Africa before, but this one is spreading like wildfire, with no end in sight. 2000+ people are dead and a recent
WSJ article quoted a WHO official as saying that they expect 20,000 to die before this is over. If that holds true, how
in the world could it *possibly* be contained to one continent?
This is a volatile, unprecedented situation with many unknowns. Viruses are unpredictable. Given the possibilities, it's
astounding to me that more isn't being done.
The article outlines a situation in which piglets with Ebola were caged and in the same room with
monkeys. No contact between the animals happened. Ebola jumped from the piglets to the monkeys
and the researchers never did conclude why. However, they acknowledge that airborne transmission is
definitely a possibility.
It's possible that it was transmitted via the air. Researchers can't definitely conclude how animals--that
never had direct contact with infected animals--contracted Ebola.
Another point: The American doctors who came down with Ebola were following CDC guidelines to the letter.
They were suited up and gloved and following strict procedures. They got it. How did that happen?
It's possible that this virus is mutating. With so many victims, it is possible that the virus is getting smarter.
Maybe it's not airborne in all cases, but maybe some of the cases.
I'm not a virologist. I don't know. However, there is something different this time. We've had Ebola outbreaks
in Africa before, but this one is spreading like wildfire, with no end in sight. 2000+ people are dead and a recent
WSJ article quoted a WHO official as saying that they expect 20,000 to die before this is over. If that holds true, how
in the world could it *possibly* be contained to one continent?
This is a volatile, unprecedented situation with many unknowns. Viruses are unpredictable. Given the possibilities, it's
astounding to me that more isn't being done.
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It may become the new Black Death and alter society as it did in the 14th century.
hobbit709
Sep 2014
#1
Just a local grocery store over in the produce area. Small town, just a couple
LiberalArkie
Sep 2014
#56
If I was still working for the phone company, I would probably hear it more.
LiberalArkie
Sep 2014
#105
I would not even make appearances at our local groups HQ and if I had to it was in and out.
LiberalArkie
Sep 2014
#107
Unless something truly bizarre, worthy of perhaps a comic book or bad horror novel, happens.........
AverageJoe90
Sep 2014
#63
Couple things. It's pretty well documented that when pigs get sick, they tend to do it in a very
Warren DeMontague
Sep 2014
#108
We are all afraid to face the fact that that ebola could come to our own community.
JDPriestly
Sep 2014
#3
We don't put them on pikes, we just burn and blow up innocent children and others. There is no diff
jtuck004
Sep 2014
#54
It'd only spread to the West if we suddenly decide to become completely careless.
AverageJoe90
Sep 2014
#64
Hal Rogers, Chairman of the House Appropriations committee slashed the Ebola budget to $40 million.
greatlaurel
Sep 2014
#4
It's much more than one city and has nothing to do with concerns over surplus population
IDemo
Sep 2014
#19
I think if people start showing up infected after coming from from Nigeria
Warren DeMontague
Sep 2014
#92
If anyone wants to see what a libertarian society would be like, all they have to do is look
LiberalArkie
Sep 2014
#25
this is an opinion piece by the Director of Infectious Disease Research & Policy
magical thyme
Sep 2014
#41
ok, I agreed with your disapproval of a single word in the article. so the strain mattered
magical thyme
Sep 2014
#57
I would bet that, if there is a list of people who would get an Ebola vaccine first, Congress is on
djean111
Sep 2014
#30
Just hope you're immune when it comes through town. The Flu killed 20 million a hundred years ago.
grahamhgreen
Sep 2014
#46
"The Flu killed 20 million a hundred years ago." And that was mainly due to poor sanitation.........
AverageJoe90
Sep 2014
#62
Again, poor sanitation and lack of medical knowledge were among the primary reasons....
AverageJoe90
Sep 2014
#71
The reason it killed young people was that all the older ones -- fifty and older --
SheilaT
Sep 2014
#83
the first possibility is the more likely, and in fact Lagos already has ebola
magical thyme
Sep 2014
#72
Actually they've- so far- done a decent job of containing it in Lagos, given the circumstances.
Warren DeMontague
Sep 2014
#90
Hopefully it will be contained within the countries now affected with another hope
Iliyah
Sep 2014
#70
Odd how the show "The Last Ship" just finished its first season while this is happening.
7962
Sep 2014
#78
You're welcome! I didnt know there was a BOOK! Guess I should read the credits closer.
7962
Sep 2014
#101
Let me start by saying that this ebola outbreak is something I've been worried about since April.
Warren DeMontague
Sep 2014
#82
Aeresols are one thing, real airborne transmission is another AFAIUI.
Warren DeMontague
Sep 2014
#112
It's different primarily because in the past it broke out in remote villages
magical thyme
Sep 2014
#111
What scares me are armageddonist types WANTING Ebola to be a fulfillment of prophesy....
Spitfire of ATJ
Sep 2014
#94