Ebola virus

I cannot believe that the chemists don't know its life span outside it's host. It must be measurable. Is there a FAQ on the WEB where we can find out please?
Jenny

 

Its a disease that mostly affects a handful of people in very poor rural communities in the third world. I.e. nobody has really studied it in depth.

 

Dont know that the WHO page includes but here it is

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/

 

then they had better start,
Jenny

 

They have done. There's a vaccine in the early stages of mass production.

 

And it is my understanding that in other strains of the Ebola virus that figure rises to 90%

But, statistics can be written, and interpreted to manipulate the reaction of its intended audience: depending on the author's intention.

Am I concerned?
Oh yes, for all those who are at the hub of the disease, in the throes of grief as a result, the actual victims (it's a pretty grim death by all accounts) and ... because of globalisation and all that implies in this context.

Am I overly concerned? Well, I have given this a thunk or three.
1) Some members have referred to media frenzy (to a greater or lesser extent). Perhaps; but in our global world of social media, who would I prefer to listen/react to? The London riots are a good example of how social media can whip up a frenzy that more traditional media channels may well have been in awe of (for it's speed, potency and ... be honest ... totally unregulated publishing!) Whereas the media do have to follow certain guidelines in their publications, thus, while not wholly trustworthy, are at least somewhat more trustworthy than social media.
2) As a family, we have discussed potential exposure and the realisation that, with the best plans in place as they stand - we are all as vulnerable as one another; no more, no less.
So, that leads me on to ...
3) I am going to die: fact! I can only do a certain amount to reduce the potential of what may kill me through lifestyle choices, but, ultimately, it is not something I have too much control over and - extremes accepted - ordinarily, it is not a date I could put in my diary with any accuracy.
4) What will be, will be! Naturally, I'll take any precautions deemed necessary as and when.
5) People are scared; people are anxious. I'm putting that aside because that is very much a "what if" inspired reaction - *my* thoughts, feelings and compassion are aimed right there at the hub of it all - those people who are LIVING (dying of) it! Those volunteers who are travelling out there to provide whatever assistance, medical aid/expertise they can in the belief they can make a difference - and they will: life by life.

 

But they do know. The virus was first identified in the early/mid 70's IIRC.

A quick google found the following;
Outside the host at room temperature down to 4°c it remains viable for several days
At -70°c it remains viable indefinitely.

http://www.msdsonline.com/resources/msds-resources/free-safety-data-sheet-index/ebola-virus.aspx

It has been well studied, but as you so rightly pointed out it was deemed commercially unrewarding to do much with the research.

 

SURVIVAL OUTSIDE HOST: The virus can survive in liquid or dried material for a number of days (23). Infectivity is found to be stable at room temperature or at 4°C for several days, and indefinitely stable at -70°C (6, 20). Infectivity can be preserved by lyophilisation.

COMMUNICABILITY: Communicable as long as blood, secretions, organs, or semen contain the virus. Ebola virus has been isolated from semen 61 days after the onset of illness, and transmission through semen has occurred 7 weeks after clinical recovery

extracts from above link by @longk
Jenny

 

I just hope that ATOS haven't been appointed to carry out the airport screenings or every passenger will be deemed fit regardless of whatever dire state they're in.

 

Maybe, that's if they ever get to the front of the queue to be deemed fit.

 

Is it just me, or do they seem to be getting a bit jumpy now?
I have been watching Sky news today, and I seem to sense a certain air of, lets call it ....concern. On the train last night, there was a newspaper which was saying about an airborne strain being a future possibility?? I only glimpsed it.

 

Any idea which paper?

Source: The Telegraph

 

Maybe in West Africa, but what about in northern climes where people spread viruses by coughing and spluttering droplets into then air?

 

Ok so maybe I am over reacting but I'm becoming increasing uncomfortable with this situation . Why aren't they having a 'lock down' and trying to contain it?I know it seems an impossible task but the incubation period can be anything up to 21 days so all the 'screening' in the world is going to make no difference...I'm also not convinced that it's spread by coming into contact with bodily fluids just my opinion...If they could keep it 'at source' and then throw everything at it surely that would have been a better solution,I understand there would be just the odd person that would have slipped through the net as has been reported but all this to-ing and fro-ing is a bit like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted IMO...Laymans terms I know but that's how I see it

 

I'm not going to worry about this disease until it is here in my village,got more important things to worry about without doing my head in worrying about something that might or might not come in to my life and kill me,or not