The Ebola epidemic vs. the bad geographic knowledge of non-Africans

The recent Ebola epidemic in West Africa claimed the lives of over 5.000 people at that time, infected a clearly increasing number of approximately 15.000 persons and still expands. The crisis does not only show the dangers of a spreading disease but proves the poor knowledge of non-Africans’ about the continent’s size and geographical diversity. The catchphrase “Ebola is in Africa” is hurting the tourism industry all around the non-affected areas of Africa. There are examples of U.S. citizens who self-isolated or got forced to do so due to concerns about recent travels to Uganda and Rwanda. A teacher has been told to quit mission work in Kenya. These three countries are actually further away from the Ebola hotspot than Western Europe. For understanding the spread of a virus in West Africa, the geographic knowledge is very important.

Information:

http://www.slate.com/.../ebola_confusion...

Bild: Twtter.com / Anthony England