Health Journal Entry

Ebola is Back in Congo (January 19, 2009)

The scary Ebola virus has surfaced again in Congo. Health officials say there are 36 suspected cases in the south-central part of the country, with at least 12 deaths so far. They're keeping a close watch on nearly 200 other people who may also be infected. It's the second time the virus has appeared in the country in less than two years.

The highly contagious disease is often deadly. It can cause uncontrollable bleeding from the gums and body openings. The virus passes from person to person through infected bodily fluids. Family members or health workers often get sick while taking care of infected people or when burying the dead.

Ebola first surfaced in Africa in 1976. Congo has been hit with several outbreaks since 1994. Health experts say eating infected meat, especially from primates or antelopes, is one way the virus can spread to people. Researchers say bats are another likely source of the spread of the virus.

The Ebola virus has taken a big toll on Central Africa's primates. Gorillas have been hit especially hard. The virus joins poaching and habitat loss on the list of threats to their survival.