Gaye Levy
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If you have been following recent headlines, you know that it has been asserted that the first case of the Ebola virus traveling aboard a commercial passenger airline has been confirmed.
According to the article, “Nigerian health authorities raced to stop the spread of Ebola on Saturday after a man sick with one of the world’s deadliest diseases brought it by plane to Lagos, Africa’s largest city with 21 million people.”
Since I am neither a health care professional nor a scientist, I cannot confirm one way or another whether the Ebola virus can be spread in this manner. What I can do, and encourage you to do, is to read up on the topic and come to your own conclusions. Furthermore, rather than go into “pandemic panic mode”, be prepared to hunker down if Ebola lands close to your homeland, wherever that may be.
Be Prepared for a Pandemic!
How to prepare for a pandemic? The usual: plenty of food, water, first aid supplies, face masks, and something to keep your mind occupied in the event you are confined to close quarters. Examples include books, playing cards, and board games. I also recommend essential oils but more about that in a moment.
You should also be prepared to physically isolate yourself. If a pandemic is even rumored, isolate yourself from large crowds, avoid commercial travel, and head out to your bug-out-location if you have one. If you work outside the home, plan to telecommute if you can and if not, take some vacation time. Above all, use common sense and keep a level head about you.
A Medical Doctor Weighs In On Ebola
You might remember Dr. James Hubbard from a recent Backdoor Survival Book Festival. He is the author of Living Ready Pocket Manual – First Aid: Fundamentals for Survival and DuctTape 911: The Many Amazing Medical Things You Can Do to Tape Yourself Together. He had this to say:
Ebola is a horrible disease but, from what I understand, it is passed only by direct contact through bodily fluids. You don’t get it by breathing the air or casual contact with someone. There have been instances in the past of air travelers having it, and no one else traveling got it. If someone with it comes to the U.S. and gets sick, chances are very good they’re going to be sick enough to go to the hospital and become isolated.
The only ones with big-risk would be the ones who had been living with, or caring for, her/him. Since it’s not airborne, it’s very unlikely a widespread epidemic would break out here in the U.S.
Or is it? Airborne, that is.
When I asked him about this, he pointed to some information posted on his website and gave me permission to share it here on Backdoor Survival. Here are his thoughts including seven facts you should know about Ebola.
Unprecedented Ebola Outbreak. Could It Spread Here?
A new outbreak of Ebola is going on in Africa, and Doctors Without Borders is calling it “an epidemic of a magnitude never seen before”—not because of the number of cases or deaths. There have been more in previous outbreaks. It’s because of how the disease is spreading.
In the past, Ebola has always stayed confined to a small region. This time the same strain of the virus has been found infecting people several hundred miles from the original area.
The questions on the minds of many people who don’t live in Africa are, could it come here? If so, how do I prevent it?
What is Ebola?
Ebola is that horrendous viral disease in Africa (so far). It’s the disease with a death rate of up to 90 percent of those infected. The one where the victims sometimes bleed out of every orifice before they die.
But other than for humanitarian reasons or if we’re going to Africa, should we be concerned?
Well, for one thing, Ebola is on the U.S. list for potential bioterror agents. That’s because it’s highly contagious and there’s no vaccine or effective treatment. Also, though this is rare, people have traveled internationally with it before their symptoms started—including to the United States.
Stopping the Spread of Ebola: 7 Facts to Know
If Ebola becomes a problem, here are some key facts you’ll need to know to reduce your chance of getting it.
1. It seems to start in animals and meat. No one’s for sure, but it’s thought the disease starts in bats. They can have the virus without getting sick. Then they infect other animals, who do usually get sick.
People kill the other animals and contract the virus while either preparing the meat or eating it poorly cooked. Then the virus starts spreading from person to person.
2. After exposure, Ebola can kick in early or late. After someone is infected, the symptoms start anywhere from two to 21 days later.
3. Ebola doesn’t spread like the flu. This is the only good thing I know about this awful disease.
Flu: You can be contagious before you get sick.
Ebola: You’re not contagious until you have symptoms.Flu: The virus can spread through fluid droplets in the air (like from a sneeze).
Ebola: Although it’s theoretically possible for Ebola to spread this way, it doesn’t seem to.4. Ebola is highly contagious. You can catch it by coming in direct contact with any bodily fluids, including blood, semen, urine, saliva, vomit, or feces.
5. The symptoms make prevention more difficult. Symptoms make it hard for caregivers not to come into contact with those bodily fluids.
There’s profuse vomiting and diarrhea. And the victim’s blood can’t clot. So you can’t stop bleeding from the smallest scrape, prick, or bruise. Sometimes people spontaneously bleed out the nose, mouth, rectum, or urethra.
6. Ebola is still contagious after symptoms stop or the victim dies. Ebola doesn’t stop being contagious with death or recovery. Victims’ dead bodies still carry the disease, and people who recover may continue to be contagious for up to two months or more.
7. There are ways to protect yourself. It’s essential to protect yourself at all times if you’re caring for someone who may have the disease so you don’t come into contact with the bodily fluids.
Basically, cover yourself in impermeable products from head to toe. Think goggles, mask, disposable gown, gloves, and shoe covers. If you’re using needles, use them once only and dispose of them immediately.
Also disinfect your environment. Clean any exposed furniture, walls, or floors with a disinfectant, like a chlorine bleach solution, before future use. This may not all be possible during a long-term disaster, but do the best you can.
Essential Oils for Protection from Ebola and Other Viruses
In addition to healing, I am a huge believer in using essential oils to build up immunity in order to prevent sickness. I use essential oils myself and through trial and error, learn what works and what doesn’t. I read as much as I can so that I can learn and make informed choices.
All that being said, I keep a spray bottle with Shield protective blend and witch hazel with me at all times for use as a hand and gizmo sanitizer. I spray it everywhere, including on my phone, my keyboard, on pillows and bedding, and more. If I feel a sniffle or a runny nose coming on, standalone Shield goes in the diffuser 24/7.
But what about protection from Ebola or other deadly viruses? The jury is out but as far as I am concerned, staying healthy with a strong immune system can not hurt.
One thing I did do when the recent Ebola headlines hit did some research to find studies that specifically addressed Ebola and essential oils. I had some help but neither one of us could pull up any verified studies. On the other hand, there have been some studies and articles linking Cinnamon and Ebola. I like the cinnamon link since the Shield Blend I use contains Cinnamon Bark in addition to Clove, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary.
I plan to keep searching for some credible information on the use of essential oils to mitigate Ebola, but in the meantime, any of the antiviral and antibacterial essential oils would be good to have on hand. Some examples are Thyme, Melaleuca, Oregano, Cinnamon and, of course, Shield.
How to Make An Essential Oil Protective Spray
Here is the recipe I use to make “Shield Protective Spray”. This spray makes a terrific hand sanitizer, room freshener, and all around disinfectant and protectant. This is so darn simple, it is embarrassing.
Take a 2 ounce glass spray bottle and add 30 drops of Spark Naturals Shield Blend.
Top with Witch Hazel.
Shake before using.
That’s it. Were you expecting something more difficult?
One more note. Shield Blend is actually an ancient blend based upon a legend that has its roots in 15th century England during the time of the great plague. Grave-robber thieves developed their own blend of Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary to protect them while robbing the plague victims.
If you would like to try to make your own, here is a version that includes Lavender from Contributing Author Rebecca Schiffhauer at Camp Wander.
DIY Shield or Thieves/Robbers Blend with Lavender
Ingredients
45 drops clove essential oil
35 drops lemon essential oil
25 drops eucalyptus essential oil
20 drops cinnamon essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops rosemary essential oilInstructions
Combine the all essential oils and store in a dark 15 ml glass bottle
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The Final Word
I am sure you will agree that when it comes to a dread disease, Ebola is horrific. Will it become a global pandemic? Will we be exposed? That is anyone’s guess. The best we can do is to limit our exposure to others and to be prepared for physical isolation. This is one of the few instances were moving to a bug out location or to a friend or relative’s home in the boonies would be a wise idea. For any type of pandemic, voluntary isolation is a good thing.
In closing, I would like to thank James for allowing me to share his work. For more information, visit his website at the Survival Doctor and his most recent article, 12 Things You Must Know About Ebola.
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye
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Bargain Bin: Here are some links to the items mentioned in today’s article.
Spark Naturals Essential Oils: It is no secret that I prefer essential oils from Spark Naturals. They are well priced and of the highest therapeutic quality. You enjoy an additional 10% off all items, including sale items, when using code BACKDOORSURVIVAL at checkout. In addition, SN announces a new “Item of the Week” every Monday, often with a special shipping offer as well.
Shield Protective Blend: Here is a direct link. If you can only afford a few oils, I would suggest Shield, Lavender, and Melaleuca (Tea Tree).
3M N95 Particulate & Respirator Mask: This is an inexpensive mask that can be used in a variety of emergency situations. They come in a box of 20 and are NIOSH-certified. The molded cone design is fluid and splash resistant and will greatly reduce your exposure to airborne particles.
Moldex 2730 N100 Respirator Mask: Do not confuse P100 masks with the N100s. N100 is what you want since the P100’s are used to filter particulate only and not gasses and vapors. Note that if you are on the small side, you will need to order the smaller version which is the Moldex 2731.
Disposable Protective Coveralls: There are plenty to choose from. I purchased these DuPont White Tyvek Disposable Coveralls With Hood in a medium and it fit me okay with a bit of excess room left over. Shelly needs a large, definitely.
3M TEKK Protection Chemical Splash/Impact Goggle: I read a ton of reviews before settling on these. I was so impressed with both the fit and comfort that I ordered another pair to use as a spare. These are great and the price is right.
Bicycle Canasta Games Playing Cards: This timeless classic will keep the entire family occupied when the power it out. Playing cards or board games should be in everyone’s preparedness kit.
Ticket To Ride: This my favorite board game, bare none. Family friendly, you will spend hours in front of the fireplace playing Ticket to Ride with your favorite people. This is worth the splurge.
Living Ready Pocket Manual – First Aid: Fundamentals for Survival: Whether you are miles from help or immersed in an urban disaster situation, every second count during a medical emergency. This book will help you take quick, effective action to stabilize the situation. One of the best things about this book (other than the information, of course) is its size. It is small enough to keep in your bug-out-bag and also in your first aid kit.
Help support Backdoor Survival. Purchases earn a small commission and for that I thank you!
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48 Responses to “Seven Facts You Should Know About Ebola”
I think the best face mask to use are the ones that are N95 or higher. Something like these //www.asasupplies.com/3M-8210-N95-Respirator
Whoops, I forgot to include the link for the second quote:
//jonrappoport.wordpress.com/2014/07/31/ebola-2-here-come-the-global-pandemic-promoters/
“Ebola is a propaganda operation.
Choices are being made: what to emphasize, what to ignore, what to use in order to invoke fear.
Producing fear, one way or another, is a standard element in exerting top-down control over the population.
When people are afraid, they’re compliant, they’re obedient to authority.
And that’s the agenda.”
//jonrappoport.wordpress.com/2014/07/31/is-it-ebola-or-is-it-psychological-warfare/
“Here’s another point you won’t see discussed on the mainstream news: the reliability of tests used to diagnose Ebola.
Two of those tests—antibody and PCR—are notoriously unreliable. […]
Bottom line: huge numbers of people on whom these tests are done are going to be falsely diagnosed with Ebola.” …
While I agree with Jon Rs assessment (how many “potential pandemics” have we had lately), your statement that PCR is ‘notoriously unreliable’ is a fantastically ignorant statement. PCR is fantastically simple and reliable. This fact it is the sole basis for the growth of a trillion dollar global industry behind genetics, genomics and disease research.
What you may be meaning to say is that INTERPRETING PCR data requires skill, understanding and good assumptions. And many have failed her. But PCR itself is unassailable. And since it’s used in the diagnosis of many diseases and in determining the best treatment for them, it is highly irresponsible of you to mislead people with your ridiculous and factless assertions.
Great article, Gaye. In addition to the spray bottles, I also put some of the Thieves or Spark oil in each liquid soap dispenser (I use unscented pure coconut oil soap and/or Dr. Bronner’s. Also, If you make your own spray cleaners, always add this oil. It has a great scent and works well on surfaces.
Keep up your excellent, essential work.
Yvonne – I tend to use cheap oils in hand and body soap products since the benefits are more aroma oriented than healing oriented. Definitely though, my household cleaning products utilize my best and most powerful EOs. I really need to do some research as to how much of the beneficial qualities of essential oils are retained after washing one’s hands.
Re: your recipe:
“Take a 2 ounce glass spray bottle and add 30 drops of Spark Naturals Shield Blend.
Top with Witch Hazel.
Shake before using.”
Please elaborate on Step 2 – “Top” with Witch Hazel…quantity, please?
Thanks.
The 30 drops take up very little space so topping the 2 oz. bottle would require just under 2 ounces of witch hazel. You can adjust both the drops of essential oil and witch hazel to other sized spray bottles.
There is a underground science lab and living unit under builing 49 at JSC in Houston (NASA). It is deep underground and was built in case astronauts brought a disease back from the first moon landing.
The information you wrote is essentially correct. However, I want to clarify one thing regarding transmission. Even small droplets of exhaled, sneezed or coughed fluid can carry the disease. For example, one of the women who had the disease refused treatment, left the clinic, and got in a jitney cab with multiple passengers. Four additional women contracted Ebola and have since died. I suspect that Ebola is not as difficult to contract as we have been led to believe. With an incubation period of up to 21 days and relatively minor initial symptoms, people could travel across the world and potentially infect others. Just my thoughts.
The article stated this is the same virus as before, it is not. It has mutated and according to an article I read the other day, while 97% identical to the Zaire Ebola, it has several mutations, I believe the article said three mutations, and that might explain why the older methods of protection no longer work. Also as the person above wrote, they now know that it can be spread in droplets when a person sneezes, so it is airborne to a degree. A friend of mine, in the medical field told me that when mutations occur naturally, there is usually only one mutation at a time, for there to be three mutations at one time in this virus, she suspects genetic splicing or a manmade weaponizing of this virus.
We have been told about the two Ebola patients being brought to the US from Africa, we have not been given much information about all the other people being evacuated from Africa, flying home on commercial airliners, and being in quarantine, mostly at their own homes, for at least 21 days after their last known exposure to Ebola. ABC had a story about a doctor who is in quarantine in Morristown (?) after having returned from Africa due to the epidemic. I am sure there are many others we have not yet heard about.
Also Obama signed an EO the other day to allow for the detainment of people with respiratory symptoms and CDC has established 20 Ebola quarantine areas, three of which are in my state, Texas – El Paso, Houston and Dallas. People coming in on intercontinental flights are being screened, those who might be sick are being detained. However, all the illegals flooding the country have overwhelmed the system to the point many are not getting even the basic screenings and vaccinations most people get when entering the country, and they are then being dispersed all over the country, and that has the potential for several really nasty diseases being spread all over the country with them, to include the possibility of ebola. If a foreign power wished to cause a pandemic and had people willing to die to do so (any powers come to mind?) then they could send said person or people through our now open border and take out a whole lot of us. Things to think about.
I never rely on one or two plans. I do like the essential oils as one method. I will also be using local herbs and foraged items which may work in combo. The big addition I’m adding to my first aid gear for illnesses such as Ebola, but also if it were necessary to handle the dead or dying.
1. Shoe covers—- rubber boots would be great but I’m buying several Dollar store shower caps instead. They work for keeping clothes clean when traveling, they should work for this too.
2. Gowns—-I’m buying some heavy duty yard garbage bags to work in a pinch but also some of those Dollar store ponchos for space saving purposes.
3. Gloves—-I have 3 boxes of disposable gloves but thinking a couple of pair of dishwashing gloves would be handy since they are long and more durable. For this, bigger is better
4. Goggles—- I have some cheap store ones, but now, I’m also going to store some face shields to cover the whole face even with :
5. Masks— I need a few more of those N99 masks to wear with the shield depending on what’s happening (if I know specifically, if not, wear anyway for caution).
6. More Duct Tape…which may be need to create isoloation units and/or sealing outfits to keep contamination low. real fashionable I know.
7. Tarps or big roll of plastic for creating those walls for isolation units.
Thanks for the extra information on ebola. I, too, have been trying to determine if essential oils could fight it. One thing that I have shared with my own blog readers during other pandemic warnings sounds gross but could, potentially, be a life saver. That is urine therapy — an extremely ancient practice of (yes) drinking one’s own urine. People have reportedly cured themselves of everything using this method, including terminal cancer. Unlike feces, urine is sterile. The idea is that it works almost like a homeopathic remedy, a diluted version of everything going on in the body. Then your body can reverse engineer a solution to your health challenge.
Obviously, most people won’t go there with the pee drinking, but if any of my loved ones or I get exposed to some kind of pandemic, urine therapy will be a first line of defense, in addition to all the other preventative, immune strengthening measures. I’m not giving medical advice, but imho it’s worth consideration. In a life or death scenario where traditional medicine can’t do anything for us, are we really going to turn our noses away from nature’s most basic homeopathic remedy? Personally, I’d rather live.
Blessings and best of luck to all,
Laura
Hi Laura.
Check out something called “nigella sativa” also known as “black seed”.
It’s the best thing I know about for these kinds of issues.Google it and see what you think,
All the best in your quest for optimum health.
Saeed
Eating pigeon waste also helps cure all types of diseases. I recommend it.
Thanks Saeed, yes, I’ve heard of nigella sativa, and have thought of growing it. Oddly enough, this is the second mention in two hours of something in the Ranunculaceae family. I had heard of the nigella sativa but didn’t know it was in that family until just now. I’ll have to explore it more. Thanks much!
We’re reading this in South Africa, so it is much appreciated – thanks!
Claire – wishing you and your loved ones health and hoping the authorities get this Ebola problem under control quickly!
Please keep us updated!
IS IT EBOLA OR IS IT PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE?
Something is very wrong here. Something is upside down.
by JON RAPPOPORT | INFOWARS.COM | JULY 31, 2014
Well, no update on Ebola out here but we just got hit by a 5.8 mag earthquake here in Johannesburg. Really a wake up call for how UNprepared I am….
Claire – Please know that myself and the rest of your friends at Backdoor Survival are thinking of you and hoping that you stay safe. Also, when it comes to being prepared, do not browbeat yourself over the past and what has not been done prepping-wise. Instead, simply go forward with a renewed vigor to prep a little bit each day. You will get there,
Be well…Gaye
Stay safe as possible Clair, thoughts and prayers are with you.