health

Ebola virus is extremely contagious, but scientists do not know exactly
how it spreads. They do know that it can spread through direct contact
with infected blood, especially from contaminated needles, and possibly
through contact with the nasal or respiratory secretions of someone
who is infected. Healthcare workers and family members tending to
the people who have the virus are at high risk of becoming infected and
dying of Ebola virus infection. The needles used to take blood samples
from patients are an extreme biohazard, because accidental needle pricks
expose healthcare workers to the virus and are therefore potentially lifethreatening.
Traditions in some African cultures may contribute to the
spread of Ebola virus. For example, some funeral rites require a ritual
cleansing of the corpse, which can bring the person performing the rite
into contact with the blood or other body fluids of the deceased. Ebola
virus infects nonhuman primates, such as monkeys and apes. Ape meat
is considered a delicacy in parts of Africa; however, some scientists recommend
that people who live in these regions not eat it because it may
contain the Ebola virus, which can infect nonhuman primates such as
monkeys and chimpanzees.