Ebola — its effects on fashion trends

26 Oct, 2014 - 00:10 0 Views

The Sunday News

Let’s Get Stylish
IT’S quite ironic, if I may say, how some people can be so insensitive or should I say ignorant to be fascinated by serious and life-threatening situations.


We are all aware of the Ebola pandemic wreaking havoc in West Africa.

I have been reading a lot of articles about the virus, how it has claimed the lives of many, destroying families, affecting businesses and also friendships.

I came across a rather peculiar picture, which I thought was very foolish and childish. It was a picture of a man whom I believe to be an American rapper — Camron, wearing a surgical mask that has been “swagged up” by printing his face on the material.

He posted the picture on his instagram account, where he wrote, Ebola is no joking matter . . . So you have to be safe . . . Be fashionable. #CamEbolaMAsk . . .

Firstly, what he got wrong here was that the disease was airborne — Mr Camron, I wonder whether it is that you are just plain ignorant or just trying to make a quick buck, by causing unnecessary despondency by insinuating that Ebola is airborne. Don’t you think that if the disease was airborne half of the human population would be dead by now?

Also, I find it funny that all the ruckus about the virus is coming from America, when it is mostly affecting the African continent.

No pun intended but I really don’t see why America should make so much noise about the virus, yet they are somehow also making fun of it.

I also read that some toy manufacturing companies were making stuffed Ebola virus strain toys that are somehow a hit in America?

I read on one of my favourite sites — GlobalGrind that the toys were a hit.

The description on the toy reads, since its discovery in 1976, Ebola has become the T Rex of microbes. Share the love!

Really now, share the love?

Much like the contagious virus, the $10 toy’s presence has spread like a disease, and it’s now completely sold out online.

Anyway, let’s all agree on one thing, Ebola is a worldwide problem, a problem that is threatening the human race . . . well not into extinction hopefully.

If you have been following the news, you should be aware of how it has affected countless families and has also claimed the lives of many people in certain parts of the globe.

From the facts I have gathered, the Ebola virus has mutated more than 395 times since it was discovered.

As it seems that this virus isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, perhaps the fashion industry may have to come up with clothing that prevents its spread.

Take a look at the protective clothing worn by doctors and nurses handling those infected by the virus. The gear covers their bodies completely so as to prevent its spread. Seeing as it is inevitable in some countries not to contract it, might as well have fashion designers develop trendy gear that people can wear without having to stigmatise them in anyway.

I am sure this would be an ideal time for some of the world’s esteemed designers to come up with something that is both protective and stylish.

Obviously they would need to work with scientists to come up with something like that. Already there is apparel that has been inspired by the protective gear, which looks like jump or space suits.

There is a company that has already started manufacturing jackets with disinfectants to keep you snug and safe.

For the benefit of those that are not in the know, what Ebola is — Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. Ebola can cause disease in humans and non-human primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees).

Ebola is caused by infection with a virus of the family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus. There are five identified Ebola virus species, four of which are known to cause disease in humans: Ebola virus (Zaire ebolavirus); Sudan virus (Sudan ebolavirus);

Taï Forest virus (Taï Forest ebolavirus, formerly Côte d’Ivoire ebolavirus); and Bundibugyo virus (Bundibugyo ebolavirus). The fifth, Reston virus (Reston ebolavirus), has caused disease in non-human primates, but not in humans.

Ebola viruses are found in several African countries. Ebola was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa.

The natural reservoir host of Ebola virus remains unknown. However, on the basis of evidence and the nature of similar viruses, researchers believe that the virus is animal-borne and that bats are the most likely reservoir. Four of the five virus strains occur in an animal host native to Africa.

The virus is acquired by contact with blood or other body fluids of an infected human or other animal. This may also occur by direct contact with a recently contaminated item. Spread through the air has not been documented in the natural environment. Fruit bats are believed to be the normal carrier in nature, able to spread the virus without being affected.

Humans become infected by contact with the bats or a living or dead animal that has been infected by bats. Once human infection occurs, the disease may spread between people as well.

It has not been proven that the disease is airborne and scientists say it is not.

On that note let’s keep calm and STOP the Ebola fear mongering.

Feedback:

Hello Peter, I am extremely fascinated by your articles, I enjoy when you highlight fashion trends. Keep it up Mr. — Grace.

  • For your feedback, views and comments link up with me via whatsapp or sms ONLY on 0772337433 you can also e-mail me on [email protected] 

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