EBOLA FACT: How long does the Ebola virus live on a surface like a handrail or a bowling ball? According to the Centers for Disease Control, Ebola on dry surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops, can survive for several hours; however, the virus in body fluids (such as blood) can survive up to several days at room temperature. The CDC also clarifies that unlike respiratory illnesses like measles or chickenpox, which can be transmitted by virus particles that remain suspended in the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes, Ebola is transmitted by direct contact with body fluids of a person who has symptoms of Ebola disease. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and NY Governor Andrew Cuomo have urged residents not to panic -- but thats easier said than done. If a person infected with the Ebola virus rides the subway and has a body fluid (such as mucus from sneezing) on his or her hand, and then touches the railing on a subway, the virus can live up to several hours. How many subway riders pass through and touch that same railing in several hours in a city of 8 million people?
Posted on: Fri, 24 Oct 2014 19:49:41 +0000