The Ebola outbreak is serious, but the nature of the epidemic is often misunderstood – and inappropriate measures suggested
The Ebola outbreak has been claiming lives in Africa for many months now, but following the first Ebola death from a case diagnosed outside the continent, coverage – and concern – in the west has stepped up yet another notch.
The outbreak is certainly a grave issue for west Africa, a public health priority, and has been exacerbated by a slow response from international bodies and rich nations. It has already claimed more than 3,800 lives, and could claim far more without an appropriate international response.
But it is also not the species-ending disaster some fear it could be. Below are eight Ebola myths, and an attempt to set out the real position.
