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News of the Ebola virus has recently struck the United States and sent the population into a downward frenzy. With media making puns regarding the disease and rumors circulating the nation, what truly is Ebola?

The disease originated in many parts of Africa in 1976. The source is believed to be from animals such as bats and monkeys, which are commonly consumed in West Africa. “Researchers should work faster to find a cure,” junior Reed Frauendorfer, said.

With a fatality rate of 50-60%, this is becoming a horrific pandemic. To those who have to live with this reality, it is no joke whatsoever. Humor mentioning the virus have been seen all over social media such as Vine, Twitter, and Instagram. Has the death of over five-thousand people become a joke?

Considering that there are only three known cases of Ebola in the United States, this epidemic is likely to be contained. Each one of the patients have recently been exposed to the disease through international travel to Africa or treating other patients in the hospital. Though there is no known cure or vaccination, there are a few possible drug therapies that are being tested.

The main symptoms of this disease are internal and external bleeding, high fever, vomiting, stomach pain, weight loss, and bruising. Though, the disease is extremely difficult to catch and the transmission rate in general is very low.

The media craze of Ebola could potentially be another swine flu, where the disease is seen more in news columns and magazines than in actual patients. Though, with our medical advances and scientists, this disease will most likely not affect the United States as greatly as people commonly expect it too.

By Megan Arnold