Prejudices and fears

Prejudice: If I meet someone with Ebola, I will immediately contract it myself

Answer: Wrong. The Ebola virus is not airborne. It can only be transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola. With so many people used to watching horror films, the idea that the virus is believed to be deadly is widespread. But despite the fact that thousands of people have died of Ebola, other viruses, such as flu, actually spread much faster.

Prejudice: The fight against Ebola cannot be won

Answer: Most experts agree that the Ebola outbreak can be contained with international effort, although this might take a few months. A number of vaccines are in development and it is only a question of time before they can be used.

Prejudice: The West invented the Ebola virus

Answer: There is no credible evidence to support this theory. Ebola was first discovered by European scientists in 1976, but researchers believe that the virus existed long before that date in the rainforests of Central Africa and Southeast Asia.

Prejudice: Ebola can be cured

Answer: So far, there is no approved cure for Ebola. It can only be treated indirectly with basic interventions. A number of drugs are currently being tested that directly treat Ebola infections. A number of self-proclaimed miracle healers maintain they can cure it, but their methods are generally highly dangerous. Nearly 400 people died in Sierra Leone after a traditional healer who said she could cure Ebola actually caused the virus to spread further.