Ebola: Five Myths About the Deadly Virus Debunked

Many countries are banning flights from Ebola-hit nations Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, as a result of growing concern that the deadly virus could be spread to other countries if people from affected areas are allowed to travel.

With at least 4,500 people in West Africa having died from the disease since its outbreak in January 2014, the panic that has hit several countries across the West, is leading to misinformation about the virus.

Here are five of the most common myths on Ebola.

Myth: Ebola contagion spreads easily

Although thousands of people have died after being infected, Ebola is not as easy to contract as many fear.

It is estimated that in West Africa, one Ebola patient infects two healthy people. However, the rate of contagion for diseases such as Sars is of four people for every infected patient, and for Measles it is 18 people for each patient.

Myth: Ebola can be spread through the air and water

Ebola can only be contracted via contact with infected bodily fluids.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) assured people that the disease is not airborne, following recent speculation.

Myth: People with Ebola-like symptoms should be all quarantined

Ebola symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and body aches. Such symptoms are typical of other illnesses and viruses, including influenza.

Placing in quarantine all those who show such symptoms, would mean isolating thousands of people who pose no threat.

Myth: All countries should ban flights from Ebola-hit nations

A ban on flights from Ebola-hit areas would only exacerbate the already problematic situation in West Africa, which will be isolated from the rest of the world.

Several public health officials said the ban is not necessary, and implementing screening at airports would be enough.

Myth: Ebola is the Worst Disease in Africa

Although thousands of people have died and health workers are struggling to contain the outbreak, Ebola is not the deadliest disease in Africa.

The virus is currently present in three countries in West Africa, as the WHO may soon declare Nigeria and Senegal Ebola-free.

Other diseases such as malaria are more widespread across the continent and have killed hundreds of thousands of people. WHO recently said that diarrhoea, malaria, and Aids are deadlier than Ebola.