AS health officials around the world scramble to get hospitals ready for any potential Ebola outbreak, there's no doubt it's a serious matter.
But the nature of the epidemic has often been misunderstood – with some inappropriate measures being suggested to prevent the outbreak.
Yes, Ebola is certainly a grave issue for west Africa with 4,000 lives having been lost – BUT it is also not the species-ending disaster some fear it could be.
Here are five Ebola myths quashed:
1. Ebola is highly contagious
Compared with most common diseases, Ebola is not particularly infectious. Ebola comes from the bodily fluids of people who are visibly infected – primarily their blood, saliva, vomit and sweat. The disease can only transmit when contact is made with the mucus membranes – nose, mouth and similar areas. Considering this, despite recent fears - Ebola is not airborne.
2. You can catch Ebola from someone who looks perfectly healthy
You almost certainly can't. In general – people who display no Ebola symptoms are not yet infectious – and in any case, casual social contact (like shaking hands) doesn't usually spread the virus.
The exception actually lies with those who have already had Ebola and recovered. Studies show that the virus can linger in semen for up to three months after recovery. So you may want to hold off having sex for a while.
3. If you catch Ebola -you will die
The death rate of Ebola is tragically high – but it's not nearly as bad as it could be.
The most widely cited figure about Ebola is 'up to 90%'. At present, however, out of about 8,000 people diagnosed with Ebola, only 3,865 have died – bringing the fatality rate down to 48% (yet it could increase as some of those infected die).
4. We should quarantine anyone with 'Ebola-like symptoms'
This would mean that a lot of people would be quarantined. The earliest stages of Ebola show signs of the flu – the two are almost indistinguishable at first. So be warned – winter colds may lead to everyone being quarantined for Ebola!
5. We are not ready for Ebola in the West
We are actually as prepared as we can be. The UK – rich in its medical training and facilities will have a stronger ability to track and isolate those who have been in contact with anyone with Ebola – and even have the abilities to treat those who have been affected in hospitals.
Public health officials are confident of their ability to limit the direct harm Ebola could do to countries like the US or UK.
So should we be scared of Ebola infecting the UK?
Ebola is a serious problem – but if you're in the west, it is highly unlikely it will affect you, or anyone you know. Perhaps it's only the fear that has led us to pay the virus any attention at all.
