Reports from all over the world are beginning to shine some light on the recent disease epidemic, the Ebola virus.
The Ebola virus is “a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. There are five identified Ebola virus species” as defined by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).
In 1976, the virus was discovered near the Ebola river in what is now The Democratic Republic of the Congo. Researches believe the natural reservoir and source of the virus derive from bats who have spread the virus to humans. Human to human interaction took place with the first victims allowing transmission over time. The transmission of the virus has caused various outbreaks over the previous decades and needless to say, has recently reached its peak in west Africa. Infection is transmitted through direct contact with an infected individual either through their blood, secretion, organs, or other bodily fluids as well as direct contact with contaminated fluids.
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a training program in Liberia aimed to identify, prevent, and provide treatment for patients suspected of harboring the virus. What separates this organization’s efforts from the countless others prepared to do the same is the staff consisted of Ebola survivors. WHO believes that Ebola survivors who have suffered from the disease themselves would understand best how to meet the needs of the patients.
Sophia Das, a senior at Bernards High School, is painfully aware of the Ebola virus. Sophia has a history of humanitarian efforts for the Liberian community in west Africa in association with the “More Than Me” foundation. She is familiar with the virus and the people of Liberia and her concern is certainly inspirational. Efforts provided by the “More Than Me” foundation and their founder, a BHS alumni, Katie Meyler, include prevention of and treatment for the people of Liberia with the disease.
Sophia’s resolve is to provide awareness for Ebola to the Bernards High School community. It is not easy, she informs, “The biggest problem [she’s] finding in our society and all across the country is the ignorance that many people have towards this disease. We need to educate people about the seriousness of the disease.”
Sophia has assembled a team of her classmates and friends to produce a PSA through the means of their Advanced Video Techniques class with Mr. Simoneau. This PSA was under production for the sole purpose of spreading awareness and setting a serious tone for a disease that has claimed the lives of thousands of people.
“It is the underdogs of the world suffering yet again and it is important for us to raise awareness about Ebola by talking about it, educating people about it, and doing everything we can to raise money for this disease. The news only talks about statistics and the vast amount of people that have died of Ebola. However, we fail to realize that these are real people with real stories. They are humans just like us. We need to come together to realize that. We live in a privileged country with a good healthcare system so it’s time for us to help people that live in a third world country with a poor healthcare system.”
