MALAYSIAN INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

JANUARY 2016 SEMESTER

WEB 20302 PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH 2

RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

THE IMPACT OF EBOLA OUTBREAK

CLASS: L02

1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Ebola, previously known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a rare and

deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus species. The

Ebola virus causes an acute, serious illness which is often fatal if untreated.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) first appeared in 1976 in 2 simultaneous

outbreaks, one in what is now, Nzara, South Sudan, and the other in

Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo. The latter occurred in a village near

the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name.

The current outbreak in West Africa, (first cases notified in March

2014), is the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the Ebola virus

was first discovered in 1976. There have been more cases and deaths in this

outbreak than all others combined. It has also spread between countries

starting in Guinea then spreading across land borders to Sierra Leone and

Liberia, by air (1 traveler) to Nigeria and USA (1 traveler), and by land to

Senegal (1 traveler) and Mali (2 travelers).

The most severely affected countries, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra

Leone, have very weak health systems, lack human and infrastructural

resources, and have only recently emerged from long periods of conflict and

instability. On August 8, the WHO Director-General declared the West Africa

outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the

International Health Regulations (2005).

2

The virus family Filoviridae includes three genera: Cuevavirus,

Marburgvirus, and Ebola virus. There are five species that have been

identified: Zaire, Bundibugyo, Sudan, Reston and Taï Forest. The fi rst three,

Bundibugyo Ebola virus, Zaire Ebola virus, and Sudan Ebola virus have been

associated with large outbreaks in Africa. The virus causing the 2014 West

African outbreak belongs to the Zaire species.

The Ebola virus can only be passed on by direct contact with bodily

fluids of an affected person or animal (such as urine, sweat or blood);

therefore simply raising awareness can stop an Ebola outbreak. This is why

raising community awareness about the disease among malaysians, so that

people understand how the virus is transmitted, recognize the symptoms of

those who are infected and are empowered to take action to prevent the

spread. We know that by raising awareness of the symptoms of Ebola, we

can both reduce the spread of this disease and better care for those suffering

from it.

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1.2 Statement of The Problem

Creating awareness for Malaysian citizens about the deadly disease(Ebola)

The outbreak of Ebola began in December 2013 in the rural

Gueckedou district of Guinea. It was hoped that the virus could be

confined to Guinea, as even by April 2014, very few cases were

identified in the neighbouring countries of Liberia and Sierra Leone. In

addition, a drop in the number of confirmed cases in Guinea inspired

hope that the epidemic was beginning to subside. However, by May

2014, the number of reported cases increased sharply in the three

aforementioned countries, and by August 16th, the disease had spread

to so many countries with 2, 240 total cases and 1, 229 deaths in the

three countries.

1.3 Purpose of the study

Although the Ebola epidemic is receiving widespread news coverage and has

been declared as an international risk by the World Health Organisation

(WHO), the Ebola Virus awareness level among Malaysians is still very low.

In the response to this possible nation concern, a special research committee

was set up recently to investigate the issue further. The purpose of the study

described in this research report was to assess the current public knowledge

on the public awareness of the impacts of Ebola outbreak.

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1.4 Research Objectives

To identify the causes of the E- bola outbreak.

To investigate the effects of the E- bola outbreak.

To create the awareness among the public of E- bola outbreak.

1.5 Research Questions

What are the causes of the E- bola outbreak?

What are the effects of the E- bola outbreak?

What are the solutions to create awareness among the public of E-bola

outbreak?

1.6 Significance of the study

• Malaysian people will be fully aware of this deadly disease (Ebola),

By getting all Malaysians aware on the Impact of Ebola, every individual

will take precautions so as not to fall victims of the Ebola disease

• Malaysians will still be safe and secured even when the Ebola virus

becomes a big issue or worse.

By getting the Malaysian citizens educated about this deadly disease, they

can easy take precautions even when the disease becomes worse

amongst people in other region or country, because they are fully

educated on the causes of the disease and the precautions to be taken to

avoid the spread of the disease.

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1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the public awareness of the impacts of e bola outbreak

among Malaysian. The respondents, who were UNIKL students and staffs,

were randomly selected by our research team themselves. The number of

respondents to conducted this research is 30 peoples. The data collected via

questionnaires were distributed from 11 to 15 April this year by distributed

questionnaires paper among UNIKL students and staffs. Other that we also

interview an expert (doctors) to collected more data about our research.

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2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

Ebola is an infectious disease marked by fever and several internal bleeding,

spread through contact with infected body fluids, direct contact with a person

who sick with Ebola, or with object that have been contaminated with the

virus.

Health-care workers should always take standard precautions when caring for

patients, regardless of their presumed diagnosis. These include basic hand

hygiene, respiratory hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (to block

splashes or other contact with infected materials), safe injection practices and

safe burial practices.

Health-care workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola

virus should apply extra infection control measures to prevent contact with the

patient’s blood and body fluids and contaminated surfaces or materials such

as clothing and bedding. When in close contact (within 1 metre) of patients

with EBV, health-care workers should wear face protection (a face shield or a

medical mask and goggles), a clean, non-sterile long-sleeved gown, and

gloves (sterile gloves for some procedures).

Laboratory workers are also at risk. Samples taken from humans and animals

for investigation of Ebola infection should be handled by trained staff and

processed in suitably equipped laboratories.

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2.2 History of Ebola outbreak

Ebola virus disease (commonly known as "Ebola") was first described

in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks in South Sudan and Democratic

Republic of the Congo. The current outbreak is the first Ebola outbreak to

occur in the West African subcontinent, and is also the first Ebola outbreak to

reach epidemic proportions; past outbreaks were brought under control within

a few weeks. Extreme poverty, a dysfunctional healthcare system, a distrust

of government officials after years of armed conflict, and the delay in

responding to the outbreak for several months all contributed to the failure to

control the epidemic. Other factors included local burial customs of washing

the body after death and the unprecedented spread of Ebola to densely

populated cities.

As the outbreak spread, many hospitals, short on both staff and

supplies, became overwhelmed and closed, leading some health experts to

state that the inability to treat other medical needs may have been causing

"an additional death toll [that is] likely to exceed that of the outbreak

itself".Hospital workers, who worked closely with the highly contagious body

fluids of the diseased, were especially vulnerable to catching the disease. In

August 2014, the WHO reported that ten percent of the dead had been

healthcare workers.In September 2014, it was estimated that the countries'

capacity for treating Ebola patients was insufficient by the equivalent of 2,122

beds; by December there were a sufficient number of beds to treat and isolate

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all reported Ebola cases, although the uneven distribution of cases was

resulting in serious shortfalls in some areas. On 28 January 2015, the WHO

reported that for the first time since the week ending 29 June 2014, there had

been fewer than 100 new confirmed cases reported in a week in the three

most-affected countries. The response to the epidemic then moved to a

second phase, as the focus shifted from slowing transmission to ending the

epidemic.On 8 April 2015, the WHO reported a total of only 30 confirmed

cases,[39] and the weekly update for 29 July reported only seven new

cases.On 7 October 2015, all three of the most seriously affected countries

recorded their first joint week without any new cases,however, as of late 2015,

while the large-scale epidemic had ended, sporadic new cases were still

continuing to emerge, frustrating hopes that the epidemic could be declared

over.

9

2.3 Research in the public awareness of the impacts of Ebola outbreak

This research conducted to survey about the impact of e –bola outbreak and

the public awareness about Ebola outbreak. This research conduct to create

awareness among our Malaysian people about Ebola outbreak even though

we are not affected by this disease.

Malaysia still safe from deadly Ebola outbreak

Experts at the Malaysian Medical Authority have stated that Malaysia is still

safe from the recent Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Western Africa, which

has killed 729 people. Dr H. Krishna Kumar, President of the MMA, stated that

the fastest way for the disease to spread was through international flights.

“As there are no direct flights between Malaysia and the affected states, we

are indirectly safe.”

He added that Malaysian flights flew from several international hubs across

the world meaning that the risk is still present, while noting that flights from

developed nations with more stringent health facilities were likely to be

significantly safer than their counterparts in less developed countries.

(Articles from The Star)

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3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This section discusses the methodology of the research. The main purpose of the

research is to investigate the impact of Ebola outbreak among the public in university Kuala

Lumpur. To identify the cause of Ebola outbreak and investigate the effect of Ebola

outbreak while create awareness among the public of Ebola outbreak. A branch of

University Kuala Lumpur situated in the Jalan Tun Ismail, Kuala Lumpur was chosen. Data

for the research were collected through questionnaire and observation.

3.2 Research Instrument

This research utilized both the quantitative and qualitative research methodology.

The instruments used to collect the data were questionnaire and observation. A set of

questionnaire containing 20 questions divided into 4 section. Different question-types, such

as yes-no, listing, category, open-ended and scale were used in the questionnaire. The

different sections of the questionnaire were: 1) demographic information, 2) awareness on

Ebola outbreak, 3) what public feel about Ebola virus, 4) and what option can be used to

create awareness people about this topic. The questionnaire was piloted to a group of 30

students to assess its validity before it was distributed.

The qualitative data for the research came from observation. Observation used as

another method of data collection for the research. In this study, observation was used for

the purpose of obtaining data by doing literature review.

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3.3 Respondent of the Study

The respondent of the study were student from different course at university Kuala

Lumpur. In April 2016, total of 30 questionnaires were distributed to student different course

at the university. A total of 30 students from various course at university Kuala Lumpur

returned the questionnaires. Of these numbers, 13 were male student while the rest (17)

were female.

3.4 Research Procedure

Before the actual data collection period, a pilot study was conducted and at least

two of the members in our group were involved in the pilot study to assess the validity

of the research instrument to know whether the questions are easy to understand and

suitable or fulfill our requirement.

During the actual study, the questionnaires were distributed at various locations

on campus, such as in the UniKL MIIT library, UniKL MIIT prayer hall, UniKL MIIT lobby

area and a few levels in the UniKL MIIT building. Respondents were approached with

an initial question of whether they have time to answer the questionnaire before the

questionnaire was given to them. We allocate for about 3 days’ time for the

questionnaire distributions from 20 April until 22 April 2016. This study involved 30

students were randomly selected to answer the questionnaire. Refer Appendix A for the

questionnaire.

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3.5 Data Analysis

To analyze the data, a total of three variables were taken into consideration

study purpose, awareness of the public and overcame this Ebola outbreak issues. Data

were entered into computer using SPSS software. Result was presented through frequency

counts and other descriptive statistic.

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4.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Description of the Data and Findings

The result for the gender of the 30 respondent participated in the study is 56.7%

were female while 43.3% were male.

The majority of the respondent currently was all 25 years old and below. Their

primary language is most on other which is Bahasa Melayu language which is 53.3%. While

English language were 46.7% and for Arabic or Spanish were none. Based on highest

educational level the most respondent were in high school or equivalent with 21

respondents. Second is for other which is with 7 respondent and then for some college with

6 respondent. Moreover, for bachelor’s degrees were 5 respondent and for this two were

same amount of respondent which is 2 respondent, there were Grammar school and

vocational or technical school. This will not sum to 30 respondents because some

respondent answer more than one answer for this question. Other than that the marital

status show single respondent were 83.3%, married were 3.3% and some would rather not

say were 13.3%.

Based on the findings, there is no vaccine or cure for Ebola but simple measures

such as hand-washing can contribute to stopping the infection and its spread. Public

awareness is the key to containing the deadly Ebola virus.

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FIGURE 4.1 Awareness on Ebola Outbreak

Figure 4.1 shows awareness on Ebola outbreak among public which is have them

ever heard about Ebola virus, can campaign create awareness, flyer, talk, social media and

all solution above.

The majority or 83.3% of respondents were aware about Ebola virus before and a

few respondents just knew about this topic with 16.7% of respondents. 100% of respondent

were agree by doing health promotion campaign on Ebola outbreak would increase the

awareness among public. While having a flyer could help on gain awareness on Ebola virus

were 80% were agree and 20% were not. Besides that, 16.7% of respondents were not

agreed to attend a talk on Ebola outbreak but the majority said yes. As the social media

should have an advertisement on Ebola outbreak so the public will be concerned and

majority said yes or agree. 93.3% were agree to all above solutions create awareness and

the rest disagree.

83.30%

100%

80% 83.30%

100%93.30%

16.70%

0

20% 16.70%

06.70%

0.00%

20.00%

40.00%

60.00%

80.00%

100.00%

120.00%

Ever heard aboutebola virus?

Can healthpromotioncampaignincrease

awareness?

Can flyer helpgain awareness?

Would you attenda talk about Ebola

virus?

The social mediashould have and

advertisement onEbola outbreak

Do you agree toall above solution

to createawareness?

Awareness on Ebola Outbreak

Yes No

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FIGURE 4.2 What Public Feel about Ebola virus

Figure above indicate of what would public feel about Ebola virus that give

awareness. Referring to the arrangement of scale from strongly agree, agree, disagree and

strongly disagree. The result of what would you feel about Ebola virus is deathly shows

strongly agree (40%), agree (56.7%) and strongly disagree (3.3%).

Then, the result for do you agree to aware people about this issues shows that

(26.7%) strongly agree and (70%) agree. While strongly disagree shows (33%).

After that, the result by raising awareness will make people precautious on this

issues shows (23.3%) strongly agree and (63.3%) agree. Meanwhile (3.3%) disagree and

(10%) strongly disagree.

0 5 10 15 20 25

Do you feel ebola virus is deathly

Do you agree to aware people about this issues

By raising awareness wil make people precautiuos on thisissues

Ministry of Health Malaysia should take this issuesseriously

Awareness among public by show it on media social

It is important to create awareness among public aboutEbola virus

What public feel about Ebola virus

Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree

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Moreover, the result for ministry of health Malaysia should take this issues seriously

shows strongly agree (56.7%) and agree (33.3%). But for disagree shows (3.3%) and

strongly disagree (6.7%).

The result for awareness among public by show it on social media indicates (40%)

on strongly agree and (33.3%) for agree. Despite for disagree shows (3.3%) disagree and

(3.3%) strongly disagree.

Finally, the result shows important to create awareness among public about Ebola

virus issues where (40%) strongly agree and (56.7%) agree with the statement. But only

(3.3%) were disagreed.

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FIGURE 4.3 Options That Can Be Used to Create Awareness among Public about Ebola Virus

In order to create awareness there is some option can be used to make this plan

happen. Based on figure 4.3 (Option That Can Be Used to Create Awareness among Public

about Ebola Virus). The option is like, newspaper, social media, advertisement, television,

magazine and other (by lecturer or teacher, talk, radio). The pie chart shows that

respondent that chooses newspaper with amount of 22 people.

Followed by social media is 28 respondents. Then 20 respondent choose television

as an option to create awareness.

After that, magazine result shows 17 respondents choose this option and finally only

4 respondents choose an option of other as example such as lecturer, talk and radio.

22

28

20

26

17

4

Options That Can Be Used to Create Awareness among Public about Ebola Virus

Newspaper

Social Media

Advertisement

Television

Megazine

other ( Lecturer,Talk,Radio)

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4.2 Discussion

The majority of people who are not aware of Ebola virus effect on humans. The

purpose of this study was to assess on creating awareness on the impact of Ebola

outbreak. Though this virus in our country is quite rare, we need to take precautions on this

issue.

The data showed that the Ebola virus began in December 2013 in the rural

Gueckedou district of Guinea. It was hoped that virus could be confined to guinea, as even

by April 2014, very few cases were identified in the neighboring countries of Liberia and

Sierra Leone. In addition, a drop in the number of confirmed cases in Guinea inspired hope

that the epidemic was beginning to subside. However, by May 2014, the number of

reported cases increased sharply in the three aforementioned countries, and by August

16th, the disease had spread to so many countries with 2, 240 total cases and 1, 229 deaths

in the three countries.

Figure 4.1 shows awareness on Ebola outbreak among public which is have them

ever heard about Ebola virus. The study is to know can campaign create awareness, flyer,

talk, social media and all solution above.

The majority or 83.3% of respondents were aware about Ebola virus before and that

a good start because at least a group of people know about this virus existent. A few

respondent just knew about this topic with 16.7% of respondents, though it is quite small

but still need to give them this knowledge to make them prepare for the worst. 100% of

respondent were agree by doing health promotion campaign on Ebola outbreak would

increase the awareness among public because by doing campaign people can know better

about this virus. This campaign also can tell about the symptoms and precautious way to

19

prevent Ebola virus. While having a flyer could help on gain awareness on Ebola virus

were 80% were agree and 20% were not. Besides that, 16.7% of respondents were not

agree to attend a talk on Ebola outbreak but the majority said yes. As the social media

should have an advertisement on Ebola outbreak so the public will be concerned and all of

the majority said yes or agree. 93.3% were agree to all above solutions create awareness

and the rest disagree.

Figure 4.2 indicate of what public feel about Ebola virus that give awareness would

Referring to the arrangement of scale from strongly agree, agree, disagree and strongly

disagree. The result of what would you feel about Ebola virus is deathly shows strongly

agree (40%) this is based on Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola

hemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans, The average EVD case fatality

rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks.

agree (56.7%) and strongly disagree (3.3%).

Then, the result for do you agree to aware people about this issues shows that

(26.7%) strongly agree and (70%) agree. While strongly disagree shows (33%). After that,

the result by raising awareness will make people precautious on this issues shows (23.3%)

strongly agree and (63.3%) agree. Meanwhile (3.3%) disagree and (10%) strongly

disagree.

Moreover, the result for ministry of health Malaysia should take this issues seriously

shows strongly agree (56.7%) and agree (33.3%). But for disagree shows (3.3%) and

strongly disagree (6.7%).Community engagement is key to successfully controlling

outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely

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case management, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe burials

and social mobilization.

The result for awareness among public by show it on social media indicates (40%)

on strongly agree and (33.3%) for agree. Despite for disagree shows (3.3%) disagree and

(3.3%) strongly disagree.

Finally, the result shows important to create awareness among public about Ebola

virus issues where (40%) strongly agree and (56.7%) agree with the statement. But only

(3.3%) were disagreeing.

In order to create awareness there is some option can be used to make this plan happen.

Based on figure 4.3 Options That Can Be Used to Create Awareness among Public about

Ebola Virus.

The option is like, newspaper, social media, advertisement, television, magazine and

other (by lecturer or teacher, talk, radio). This is too choose ways in order to give

awareness to public, thus in order to make it easier to know about the virus. The pie chart

shows that respondents choose newspaper with amount of 22 people.

Followed by social media which is nowadays use such as Facebook, twitter,

Pinterest, Instagram in order to give a message to public about this issues and the pie chart

shows 28 respondent. Then 20 respondents choose television as an option to create

awareness.

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After that, magazine such as health magazine that will give information about the

Ebola virus. Pie chart result shows 17 respondents choose this option and finally only 4

respondent choose an option of other as example such as lecturer, talk and radio.

22

4.3 Conclusion

The finding reported that in encourage more people to know knowledge about

sickness or virus. Thus, this will make people to prepare and know how to prevent this virus

in the future. Health ministry must take this seriously and make more campaign in many

ways that will give benefit to people and the generation for the future will be safe and

healthy. But each person also must have self-awareness then this will be a successful

campaign.

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5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Introduction

Ebola is one of the world’s deadliest viruses with a fatality rate up to 90%.

There is no known cure and no vaccine. Then the best way to prevent the

outbreak is by increasing the awareness among the citizens which include

education to recognize the early sign and symptom because the risk of

transmission in early stage is lower than the late stage of the virus infection.

Therefore, the main objective of this research is to create awareness among

the public of Ebola outbreak.

5.2 Restatement of Objectives

According to the case objective that has been mentioned earlier in pervious

chapter, the main objectives of this study are:

To identify the causes of Ebola outbreak

To investigate the effects of Ebola outbreak

To create awareness among the public of Ebola outbreak

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5.3 Review of the Findings

Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly

disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus species. Ebola can

cause disease in humans and nonhuman primates such as monkeys, gorillas,

and chimpanzees.

The Ebola virus can only be passed on by direct contact with bodily fluids of

an affected person or animal (such as urine, sweat or blood) therefore, simply

by increasing awareness can stop an Ebola outbreak. This is why raising

community awareness about disease among the public of Ebola outbreak so

that people understand how the virus is transmitted and the early sign and

symptom if affected.

5.4 Limitation of the Study

For the limitation of the study we have to schedule on meeting the doctors but

as we know the doctors schedule is very packed. Furthermore the Ebola virus

has not been detected in Malaysia, so the doctors only can predict the

outcome and progress of the Ebola outbreak.

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5.5 Recommendations Based on the Findings

There are a few suggestions to be considering based on the findings and the

conclusion of the study that are:

We need to improve the public awareness of the impacts of Ebola

outbreak due to the result of only a few people know about the Ebola.

The finding reported that in encourage more people to know knowledge

about sickness or virus. Thus, this will make people to prepare and

know how to prevent this virus in the future. Health ministry must take

this seriously and make more campaign in many ways that will give

benefit to people and the generation for the future will be safe and

healthy. But each person also must have self-awareness then this will

be a successful campaign.

The best option to create awareness campaign is through the social

media hence the people nowadays interact and involve in social media

24 hours and the information is easily spread.

5.6 Recommendations for Future Research

The following recommendations will be proposed for further research:

Attending the previous places of Ebola outbreak

Interviewing the family members of the person that has been affected

by Ebola.

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REFERENCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014, November 2). Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. Retrieved from Signs and Symptoms:

http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/symptoms/index.html Centers for Disease Control. (1990). Filovirus infection in animal handlers. Morbidity Mortality

Weekly Report.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015, April 25). Diagnosis of Ebola. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/diagnosis/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015, July 22). Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/treatment/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (January 12, 2016). How ebola virus is spread. Ebola

(Ebola Virus Disease), 1 of 1.

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. (2000-2014). Ebola (Ebola Virus Disease). Retrieved

from Centre for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/history/summaries.html

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015, July 18). Outbreaks Chronology: Ebola Virus Disease. Retrieved from Centre for Disease Control and Prevention:

http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/history/chronology.html Miranda ME, K. T. (1999). Epidemiology of Ebola (subtype Reston) virus in the Philippines, 1996.

Journal of Infectious Diseases, 179.

Rollin PE, W. J. (1999). Isolated cases of Ebola (subtype Reston) virus among quarantined non-human primates recently imported from the Philippines to the United States. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 179.

World Health Organization. (1976). Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Sudan. Report of a

WHO/International Study Team. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. World Health Organization. (1976). Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Zaire, 1976. Report of an

International Convention, 56(2):271-293.

World Health Organization. (1996). Ebola haemorrhagic fever - South Africa. Weekly Epidemiological Record.

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APPENDICES

Appendix A: Questionnaire

Research Study for Professional English 2: The Public Awareness on the Impact of Ebola Outbreak

The research is to create awareness among public about Ebola virus. It is as an act of

precautious about this health issues. The purpose is to identify the cause of Ebola outbreak, the effect of Ebola outbreak and to create awareness among the public in Malaysian. The data will be a result for this research. What are the causes of Ebola Outbreak?

Can you get Ebola from sneezing?

It is possible to spread through coughing or sneezing, but health officials say it’s

unlikely. Saliva or mucus from an infected person would have to get into a healthy

person’s eyes, nose, mouth or open wound for the disease to spread.

Can it spread through mosquitoes?

There is no evidence to support this. Humans, bats, monkeys and apes have the

ability to spread the Ebola virus, but evidence so far indicates that mosquitoes and

other insects can’t transmit it.

Can it mutate to become airborne?

While mutations do occur, experts say it is very unlikely that the virus would mutate

to become an airborne disease.

The Ebola virus has not previously mutated in this manner, and experts say there is

no other virus that has transformed from non-airborne to airborne in human beings.

Testifying before Congress in September, Anthony Fauci, director of the National

Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said this is not something the American

people should “lose sleep over”.

Can someone be infected through direct contact?

Direct contact means that blood or body fluids from an infected person or body have

touched another person’s eyes, nose or mouth or an open wound or abrasion.

People can also become infected from contaminated surfaces and materials,

including bed sheets and clothing.

Can Ebola be transmitted sexually?

Sexual transmission of the Ebola virus, from males to females, is a strong possibility,

but has not yet been proven. Less probable, but theoretically possible, is female to

male transmission. More surveillance data and research are needed on the risks of

28

sexual transmission and particularly on the prevalence of viable and transmissible

virus in semen over time. In the interim, and based on present evidence,

Please tick ( ) in the space provided to indicate your responses 1. What is your age?

( ) 25 or under

( ) 26-40

( ) 41-55 ( ) 56 or older

2. What is your gender?

( ) Female

( ) Male

3. What is your primary language?

( ) Arabic

( ) English

( ) Spanish

( ) Other

4. What is the highest level of education you have completed?

( ) Grammar school

( ) High school or equivalent

( ) Vocational/technical school (2 year)

( ) Some college

( ) Bachelor's degree

( ) Master's degree

( ) Doctoral degree

( ) Professional degree (MD, JD, etc.)

( ) Other

29

5. What is your current marital status?

( ) Divorced

( ) Living with another

( ) Married

( ) Separated

( ) Single

( ) Widowed

( ) Would rather not say

6. Have you ever heard about Ebola virus before?

( ) Yes

( ) No

7. Do you agree by doing health promotion campaign on Ebola outbreak would increase the awareness among public?

( ) Yes

( ) No

8. Do you feel that by having a flyer about Ebola would help you gain awareness?

( ) Yes

( ) No

9. Do you agree if you attend a talk on Ebola outbreak it will help you gain awareness?

( ) Yes

( ) No

10. The social media should have an advertisement on Ebola outbreak so that the public

will be concerned about it?

( ) Yes

( ) No

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11. Do you agree that all of the above are the solution to create awareness among

public on Ebola outbreak?

( ) Yes

( ) No

Indicate your feeling about the following question by ticking ( ) on the appropriate

line.

Strongly Agree Strongly

Disagree

Agree disagree

12. Do you feel this Ebola virus is

deathly?

13. Do you agree to aware people about

this issues?

14. Do your feel by raising awareness will

make people precautious on this

Issues?

15. Ministry of Health Malaysia should take

This issues seriously?

16. Awareness among public by show it

on media social.

17. It is important to create awareness

Among public about Ebola virus issues

Please tick ( ) that you feel appropriate.

18. What options can be use to create awareness people about this topic?

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( ) Newspaper

( ) Social media

( ) Advertisement

( ) Television

( ) Magazine

( ) Other :

19. What is your opinion to create awareness among the public on Ebola outbreak?

20. Please give your comment regarding on the topic?

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LIST OF FIGURE

1. FIGURE 4.1 Awareness on Ebola Outbreak

2. FIGURE 4.2 What Public Feel about Ebola virus

3. FIGURE 4.3 Options That Can Be Used to Create Awareness among Public about Ebola

Virus