An ever present threat !

Just hearing the word " Ebola " sends a chill through the mind of most people.  This disease has been the story content of several books and at least one film and it's method of killing people is particularly horrifying.  It is also called the " bleeding disease " and once a person is infected all the organs of the body start hemorrhaging, leading to a near universal death toll.

The other horror aspect is the ease of infection that can be passed to others.  Basically, any physical contact with a person infected with Ebola will almost certainly transmit the disease and that includes, sweat, tears and of course any bodily fluids a carer may come into contact with.   This high danger persists until the Ebola virus is positively identified - and for many that will come too late.

The news that Ebola is raging in the west African country of Guinea will be of great concern to both the medical world - and to those concerned with national security in western countries.  Little is know about the origin of Ebola except that it is thought to have evolved amongst the Apes of Africa and it's passage to humans involved the use of " bush meat " for human consumption.

In recent times it has lain dormant with sporadic outbreaks that are quickly isolated by World Health medical teams.   The danger is that it will draw the attention of the terrorist movements and become a weapon of mass destruction in western society.

Those with the intention of delivering harm to sections of the human race would consider Ebola their dream weapon.  By sacrificing a few in the same tradition as " suicide bombers " it would be possible for operatives to deliberately infect themselves with Ebola and spread the infection at " choke points " such as airports and rail stations.   A careful selection of infection points such as ticket terminals, hand rails and on door furniture would ensure the disease was widely spread - very quickly.

Fortunately, capturing this virus and storing it safely is not easily accomplished and world health authorities are aware of the danger.   Unfortunately, world terrorism suffers no shortage of funds and should this become a terrorist target it is likely that recruits could be found within the medical community to supply the needed know-how !

Every Ebola outbreak that is reported in the news could be forming a plan in the minds of those tasked with spreading terror across this planet.    The disease spectrum is a weapon that has not been exploited by those seeking mass carnage.   Perhaps one day the good luck that has spared us so far - will run out !