Ebola  

What is it?
The Ebola Virus Hemorrhagic Fever first broke out in Zaire in 1976.   Ebola is a member of the [RNA] group of viruses, also known as [filoviruses].  Most filoviruses are carried in (or hosted by) rodents and small insects called [arthropods].  Unfortunately, the natural host(s) for Ebola are unknown.  There are two types of Ebola: The Ebola virus of Zaire, which is a threat to humans, and the Ebola Reston, which does not affect humans.  The Reston strain, found in Reston, VA, was found to affect only monkeys.  However, officials believe Reston could mutate to affect humans.  
Symptoms
The symptoms of Ebola are very severe.  With a 50 - 80% fatality rate, victims' futures are bleak.  The symptoms occur in 3 steps: 

     one Fever, chills, aching muscles, headaches, and  loss of appetite.

     two Vomiting, diarrhea, chest pains, sore throat, and abdominal pain. 

     threeBlood fails to clot and internal and external bleeding can occur.

Symptoms don't always occur in this order, but this is the general sequence.
Since Ebola can be contracted easily through close personal contact, cases frequently spread to hospital workers and family members.  In poor countries like Zaire and Sudan, Ebola has been spread recently through reused hypodermic needles.  Ebola can spread by just about anything: water, air, contact, food, blood, and body fluids are a few examples.
These 5 steps make up the "barrier technique", which doctors can use to stop the spread of ebola: 

    one Doctors and nurses wear gowns, masks, gloves, and goggles. 

    two Number of visitors are restricted. 

    three Disposable materials are burned after use. 

    four Reusable materials are sterilized before use. 

    five Since the virus is easily destroyed by disinfectants such as bleach, all surfaces are cleaned with a sanitizing solution. 
     
     
 Right now ebola is concealed in the jungle, but research is still going strong.  There is no cure for ebola...yet. So the only way to stop it is through isolation of the victims.  Ebola has been hidden in the jungle for centuries and could easily escape the jungle again.  The need for a cure grows stronger as time goes on because every day is a step closer towards another outbreak.

Ebola map

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Links

Ebola fact sheet
Ebola general information
Ebola report