Ebola: facts, myths and cartoon explanations

Many people have asked me if I am worried about getting Ebola in Africa.  I can honestly answer, no, I am not.

Fact: So far, Ebola is not in Kenya.  All Ebola cases are concentrated in West Africa.  Africa is a very big place.  Kenya is very far away from Liberia. 



Look how far away that is (ok, there is a tiny, unrelated outbreak in DR Congo but that one is contained)

Fact:  As of this writing, there are more Ebola cases in the United States than in Kenya.  I am also not afraid to go to the US (but I would wear a hazmat suit if I had to go to Arby's)

Fact:  Ebola is actually pretty hard to catch.  It is not airborne.  I would have to touch a symptomatic Ebola victim to contract it.  I promise not to touch anyone who looks sweaty (that will always be true, Ebola or no).  Ebola cannot be transmitted until symptoms appear. 

Myth:  the opposite of all of the above. 

Here's a gentle, non-scary (except for the blood font title) infographic with a cartoon Ebola victim to help explain

Source: http://designtaxi.com/news/368151/Learn-More-About-The-Ebola-Virus-And-Its-Symptoms-With-This-Infographic/

There is one problem though.  The early signs of Ebola are also the early signs of Malaria and the flu.  So, if I come home and appear feverish, go to the hospital and tell them I have recently been to Africa, they may have to put me in lock down until they can test me.  But probably not since I won't have been in an affected area. 

So, no worries my friends.  I may be killed by a gorilla but this little guy won't get me.