The recent Ebola outbreak that began in late 2013 and carried over to 2014 has been recorded as the worst of its kind in history. The virus spread to and affected the African countries, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Senegal. All of these countries were devastated by the disease as it spread uncontrollably throughout the villages with ineffective attempts to isolate and remove the disease. The disease thrived in these areas due to the fact that medical and scientific resources were lacking in these areas. These poorer countries do not have some of the basic and crucial infrastructure and precautions that we have in the U.S.. Not only are medical resources lacking in these countries but also is research, information, awareness, and leadership.
The disease is suspected to have originated from an infected, or more specifically a infected bat. It must have contracted to humans through physical contact with one of these infected animals. This interaction is thought to have happened many years ago. Due to all of the recent and serious hype and concern about Ebola, some people receive the misconception that Ebola is a new virus. However, Ebola outbreaks have been occurring for quite a while. In fact, scientists are starting to notice a trend or pattern of Ebola outbreaks occurring every twenty years. This gap between outbreaks allows pharmaceutical companies to forget about the severity and danger of the Ebola virus and shift their focus on medication for other viruses. Then when the outbreak finally occurs, most people are not prepared or safe.