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Wednesday, October 15, 2014

The outbreak of Ebola virus centered in West Africa is frightening for many reasons. It is the largest outbreak ever, having claimed thousands of lives; and the deadly infectious disease can travel easily from person to person in the later stages.

But this is not the first time humanity has faced a deadly infection, and not even the most lethal; the Spanish flu pandemic being the most recent modern example.



Today's Random Fact:

You are not at risk for Ebola infection unless you are in direct contact with bodily fluids of someone with Ebola while they have viral symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and cough. New infections come from close contact with an infected person, especially with blood, body fluids, or contaminated needles, late in the disease when viral levels are high.

The flu virus, on the other hand, is highly contagious: When an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, respiratory droplets are generated and transmitted into the air, and can then can be inhaled by anyone nearby.

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Bonus Fact:

The single deadliest flu pandemic in history was the Spanish flu pandemic during 1918-1919. Occurring in the three waves of increasing lethality, the Spanish flu killed more people in 24 weeks than AIDS did in 24 years. It also killed more people in one year than smallpox or the Black Plague did in 50 years.

The Spanish flu killed more Americans in one year than the combined total who died in battle during WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.