Ebola has taken the world by surprise these past few months. This virus has traveled from continent to continent, wiping out everything in it’s path. Terror has invaded everyone’s mind as Ebola continues to travel and spread. Tragic losses has ruined several families as their loved ones vanish from this fatal virus.

Ebola was first discovered in 1976 in Central Africa and has once again been diagnosed to people in West Africa. Recently, due to the arrival of a person infected with the Ebola virus, it has been carried to the United States. He brought it into the States when he was visiting Dallas in order to meet his son for the first time. He started showing symptoms of an everyday virus. Soon, he was diagnosed with Ebola and hospitalized. On October 10, 2014, he passed away, which came as tragic news. Two nurses who provided care for the patient were also diagnosed with Ebola after his death.

The Ebola virus’ symptoms, in the early stages, are just like any other cold or flu. They include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throats. As the disease slowly develops throughout the body, the symptoms become more and more serious. Vomiting, internal and external bleeding, skin rashes and purple spots often appear when the illness gets more severe.

The Ebola virus, fortunately, has not proven to be airborne.  It is passed to different people by contact of bodily fluids. If one were to shake an infected persons hand, the virus could be easily transferred. If one were to drink out of the same glass as a diseased person, the illness would be passed onto them. In order to avoid receiving this fatal virus, here are some tips you should keep in mind.

1. Always wash your hands.

As always, keep your hands clean! Throughout the day, many icky germs grow and linger on your hands. By washing your hands with soap and water, you are killing the germs that are a threat to your health and your life.

2. Stay away from ill people.

Ebola may not be transferred by air, but in order to guarantee good health, avoiding Ebola carriers is the safest thing to do.

3. Never share food or drinks from the same container.

Again, the deadly virus is transferred by touch and bodily fluids (blood, sweat, tears, saliva etc.) so, if you were to share a cookie with someone, you could easily get sick.

Ebola is quickly spreading and affecting many people around the world. It’s impossible to completely prevent the virus, but there are procedures you can take to try to evade it. We can try our best to prevent this virus from stealing more lives.