Students at JSU have questions about Ebola virus

Dominique Lacey
MC Practicum Student

Many students at Jackson State University along with others in the country have many questions and concerns about the deadly disease, the Ebola virus, which is currently wreaking havoc in West Africa.

Questions range from, how is the disease spread? And does the virus have the potential to become airborne?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Ebola is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with a strain of Ebola virus. The 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest in history, affecting multiple countries in West Africa. The risk of an Ebola outbreak affecting multiple people in the U.S. is very low.

Toshiba Mack, a senior biology major from Bolton, Miss. said she does not want her life to be in danger because of Ebola.

“I know this is a serious disease, but I believe that something can be solved,” said Mack.

Thomas Eric Duncan became the first person to die from the Ebola virus in the United States. According to reports, Duncan displayed symptoms of Ebola as he carried a 103 degree fever as well as rated the pain he was in an 8 on a scale or 10.

Wade Phillips, a junior computer science major from Atlanta, Ga. believes Duncan was not given the proper care.

“It’s not right how the doctors did not save that man because he didn’t have insurance, I mean that man had a family and the doctors didn’t seem to care,” said Phillips.

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) wants the public to know that Ebola is spread through direct contact with blood and bodily fluids of a person infected by and already showing symptoms of Ebola. It is not spread through the air, water, food, or mosquitoes.

MSDH also states on their website that the CDC is assisting with active screening and education efforts on the ground in West Africa to prevent sick travelers from boarding planes. In addition, airports in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea are screening all outbound passengers for Ebola symptoms, including fever.

Symptoms start two days to three weeks after contracting the virus with a fever, sore throat, muscle pain and headaches. Death, if it occurs, is typically six to 16 days from the start of symptoms and often due to low blood pressure from fluid loss.

According to Mississippi Department of Health website, there are no Ebola cases in Mississippi, and Ebola does not pose a serious risk to Mississippians. Only travelers returning from Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea in the previous 21 days who had close contact with confirmed Ebola cases are at risk.

The state Department of Health and CDC has provided Mississippi hospitals with updated procedures based on current information.

Toni Simmons, a junior history major from Meridian, Miss. feels as if it is safer to stay in Mississippi than to move back to Texas.

“There is just so much going on in Texas right now that moving back there should be the last thing on my parents’ mind. Ebola might seem like just a name but people died from it,” said Simmons.

To dispel rumors and misinformation that some students may have about the Ebola virus and other contagious or infectious diseases, the University Health Center will host a fall health forum entitled: “What’s Bugging You”, on Nov. 17 in the Student Center Theater from 5 -7 p.m.