United States Sends Team to Battle Ebola Virus Outbreak in Western Africa

Out of the 122 documented cases thus far, approximately 80 people have died in Guinea as a result of the Ebola Virus. Now, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is sending a team of five experts to fight the outbreak in Western Africa.

Since February, there have been increase in deaths in the area and medical staff and health officials are having trouble containing the virus. That said, Ebola does not spread very easily because infections typically are the result of coming into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected patient.

But the diagnoses remain tricky, because the incubation period can last from anywhere between two days and three weeks--and the external symptoms are no different than the flu: fever, weakness, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. In this case, it's especially dangerous because Guinea borders six other African countries. Four deaths have already been confirmed in Liberia.

"This is the most aggressive and deadly Zaire strain of Ebola virus. It kills more than 9 out of 10 patients," said Michel Van Herp, an epidemiologist for the non-profit group Doctors Without Borders, in this NBC News article.

The World Health Organization has delivered 3.5 tons of medical supplies to Guinea to aid the region's health workers. The supplies include single-use personal protection equipment and disinfection in addition to secure burial material. Many of the documented infections cited the handling of deceased patients who were infected with the virus.

On Friday, Senegal took security measures to the next level and closed border entries to and from Guinea, since the Ebola virus has been tracked spreading from the south to the north. Senegal borders northern Guinea and serves as an important trade location, providing markets for regional commerce. But a moratorium has been placed on border travel until further notice.

The WHO reported that, "half of the infected persons in [Guinea's capital] Conakry are health workers. Providing them with adequate training and necessary equipment is crucial for infection control," via their website. They hope to solve the regional challenge with their supportive efforts.

To read more about the Ebola virus and U.S. aid, visit this NBC News article.