1. The Ebola virus outbreak of 2014 severely affected the countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia,
and Guinea. in prior Ebola outbreaks, the mortality rate hovered around 90%. Although a
record number of people have been infected, the 2014 outbreak had a mortality rate of roughly
60%. Which statement most likely explains why the 2014 outbreak was less deadly?
A. Since Ebola has affected the continent of Africa since the 1970's, many people have built up
immunity and the virus has not mutating. Also, the health infrastructures of many countries are
far superior now than they were at the onset of the Ebola virus.
B. Because the 2014 outbreak has infected more people than previous outbreaks, it stands to
reason that the statistical probably of fewer people dying of Ebola, combined with the
improvements in treatment such as quarantines and anti-viral drugs, and a population that now
has greater awareness of how Ebola spreads, could contribute to the decline.
C. Ebola deaths in 2014 have proportionally declined due to advances in medicine combined
with the population having greater awareness of how Ebola spreads. Combining these factors
with a lack of viral mutation along with a healthier population means less people are dying
from the disease.
D. The countries of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone are developed countries with guidelines
in place to contain the spread of Ebola. Because of the new drugs on the market and the highly
sophisticated infrastructure, the people who are killed by Ebola often have genetic factors that
make them predisposed to the virus's worst effects.
