[dbussone]

Originally Posted by janmcn

Ebola has been around since the 1970's. Why is it that it has not mutated to an airborne virus version before this?

Because it has not developed the volume of recipients necessary to allow mutation to reach a critical level. As of today it is projected that the number of infected in W Africa could reach 1.5 million. That is a scary critical mass that might easily support conversion to an airborne version. I truly pray I am incorrect.

[Aandjmassage]

I think we got to stop sending reporters to go see it. Flying back in forth trying to creat there own news by get it.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by dbussone

Because it has not developed the volume of recipients necessary to allow mutation to reach a critical level. As of today it is projected that the number of infected in W Africa could reach 1.5 million. That is a scary critical mass that might easily support conversion to an airborne version. I truly pray I am incorrect.

I also pray that you are incorrect.

[Loudoll]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

Who would pay for the 21 days in quarantine?

The traveler

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Oh Graciegirl, I'm not sure that anyone thinks that Ebola is "no big deal", even those who say so.
I don't think we can live in fear, but certainly restricting travel from West Africa would be a step in the right direction.
If Ebola can mutate into an airborne virus (and I have no idea if that is even possible), then I'd probably stay inside under my bed.

What about HIV? Could that mutate into an airborne virus? Remember how frightened everyone was when HIV was first discovered? Should we quarantine those with HIV?

[KayakerNC]

Madrid to Kill Dog of Nursing Aide Who Got Ebola.
"Madrid's regional government says it's going to kill the pet dog of a Spanish woman who became infected with Ebola.
Authorities said in a statement Tuesday that available scientific knowledge indicates there's a risk the dog could transmit the deadly virus to humans."

Madrid to Kill Dog of Nursing Aide Who Got Ebola - ABC News

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by KayakerNC

Madrid to Kill Dog of Nursing Aide Who Got Ebola.
"Madrid's regional government says it's going to kill the pet dog of a Spanish woman who became infected with Ebola.
Authorities said in a statement Tuesday that available scientific knowledge indicates there's a risk the dog could transmit the deadly virus to humans."

Madrid to Kill Dog of Nursing Aide Who Got Ebola - ABC News

The headline could have used the word euthanize. But obviously no-one would want to take an unnecessary chance with such a deadly virus.

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

What about HIV? Could that mutate into an airborne virus? Remember how frightened everyone was when HIV was first discovered? Should we quarantine those with HIV?

Hi VillagesPL: I certainly can't explain why HIV hasn't mutated into an airbone virus yet but then I do not understand virus. However, I do know that combinations and permutations apply to the process of mutation and that alone would leave me very guarded. The question posed and never addressed by the medical authorities centers around the issue of mutation. Most of us know that virus mutate.

I believe this mutation issue is being avoided because the medical community has their hands full now.

In my view a well run effort to eradicate this epidemic is not to rule out any possible scenario's and the manner in which to deal with it should it come to fruition.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

Should we quarantine those with HIV?

HIV and AIDS are not curable, but they can be held in check. Antiretroviral medication prevents the virus from multiplying in the body.
Antiretroviral therapy consists of three or more drugs that the patient has to take for the rest of their lives.
Such treatment has reduced the death rate from HIV by around 80 percent.

[gomoho]

Barefoot - not sure the fella in the Dallas hospital would agree with you about Ebola. We don't really have a cure - experimental drugs maybe, but not a cure.

[sunnyatlast]

The writer's excellent credentials are at the end of the article linked in NYTimes....

"The second possibility is one that virologists are loath to discuss openly but are definitely considering in private: that an Ebola virus could mutate to become transmissible through the air. You can now get Ebola only through direct contact with bodily fluids. But viruses like Ebola are notoriously sloppy in replicating, meaning the virus entering one person may be genetically different from the virus entering the next. The current Ebola virus’s hyper-evolution is unprecedented; there has been more human-to-human transmission in the past four months than most likely occurred in the last 500 to 1,000 years. Each new infection represents trillions of throws of the genetic dice.

If certain mutations occurred, it would mean that just breathing would put one at risk of contracting Ebola. Infections could spread quickly to every part of the globe, as the H1N1 influenza virus did in 2009, after its birth in Mexico.

Why are public officials afraid to discuss this? They don’t want to be accused of screaming “Fire!” in a crowded theater — as I’m sure some will accuse me of doing. But the risk is real, and until we consider it, the world will not be prepared to do what is necessary to end the epidemic......

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/12/op...out-ebola.html

[Patty55]

What's with Duncan? Perhaps a little OT, but I have heard him described as having a wife and child in Dallas. Saw pictures of his home, it looks like a motel. Yet he was able to travel to W Africa via VA and Brussels? That's an expensive fare, where did the money come from? Is he employed? Is he a resident of the USA?

[janmcn]

Originally Posted by sunnyatlast

The writer's excellent credentials are at the end of the article linked in NYTimes....

"The second possibility is one that virologists are loath to discuss openly but are definitely considering in private: that an Ebola virus could mutate to become transmissible through the air. You can now get Ebola only through direct contact with bodily fluids. But viruses like Ebola are notoriously sloppy in replicating, meaning the virus entering one person may be genetically different from the virus entering the next. The current Ebola virus’s hyper-evolution is unprecedented; there has been more human-to-human transmission in the past four months than most likely occurred in the last 500 to 1,000 years. Each new infection represents trillions of throws of the genetic dice.

If certain mutations occurred, it would mean that just breathing would put one at risk of contracting Ebola. Infections could spread quickly to every part of the globe, as the H1N1 influenza virus did in 2009, after its birth in Mexico.

Why are public officials afraid to discuss this? They don’t want to be accused of screaming “Fire!” in a crowded theater — as I’m sure some will accuse me of doing. But the risk is real, and until we consider it, the world will not be prepared to do what is necessary to end the epidemic......

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/12/op...out-ebola.html

All people can do is take responsibility for their own health. Cancel any plane reservations, any cruise reservations, stay away from crowds, do not use public restrooms, etc etc etc.

If you take all precautions and still get the virus, you can go out knowing you did all the right things for you and your family.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by gomoho

Barefoot - not sure the fella in the Dallas hospital would agree with you about Ebola. We don't really have a cure - experimental drugs maybe, but not a cure.

I absolutely agree. I posted information about HIV, not Ebola.
I remember the SARS epidemic in Canada in 2004, and everyone wearing masks in public places.
The thought that Ebola could mutate into an airborne virus absolutely terrifies me.

[Schaumburger]

Mr. Duncan has died at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, the hospital said this morning.