The Ebola epidemic has grown greatly in the past few weeks. As a country we have faced similar situations. In 2009, the world was faced with the Swine Flu pandemic. While not much was known about the pandemic that overtook society at first, the situation was eventually resolved. Vaccinations were developed, and the news was no longer filled with Swine Flu related stories. Once again, we are faced with a similar circumstances. Even though there hasn’t been an enormous amount of victims in the US, the possibility of a rampant virus sweeping through the United States is enough to overwhelm society. Unfortunately, it is rather difficult to unveil the true facts in such a hysteria. Rumors and biased stories fill the radio and television. So to put an end to this madness, here are a few fast facts about the notorious Ebola virus.

1. Bats are believed to be a reservoir for the virus.
2. Ebola has evolved into five other “subspecies”: Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV), Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV), Taï Forest ebolavirus (TAFV), and Reston ebolavirus (RESTV)
3. Heart disease and the flu will kill more Americans than Ebola this year.
4. Three travelers with Ebola are estimated to fly from West Africa per month.
5. Some countries, including Australia and the UK, have issued travel bans from the infected West African countries.
6. Multiple people in the US suspected to be infected were placed in quarantine. They have now been cleared.
7. At least 18 cases of Ebola have been reported in America and the UK alone.
8. “Supportive therapy” (bed rest and hydration) is the only known treatment for the virus. However, half the victims die regardless of treatment.
9. The CDC has been working to tighten Ebola guidelines. Many screening centers are expected to open.
10. President Obama has said that the US is prepared to lead the world in the fight against Ebola.

Hopefully, the following facts have helped in the understanding of what Ebola is, and how it has affected the world we live in. As doctors and experts continue to search and test vaccines, it is uncertain what the future will hold. But until then, it may be smart to focus on the known facts, not the CNN report on how the whole world is going to be swallowed up by a uncontrolled virus.