Ebola is a deadly virus that causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and primates. The Ebola virus is one of the most virulent human pathogens known, with a case fatality rate of up to 90%. Ebola viruses are members of the Filoviridae family, which also includes Marburg virus. Both viruses cause similar, although often less severe, disease in humans and share many common features.
The Ebola virus was first identified in 1976 in Sudan and Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) during outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever among humans. The name “Ebola” comes from the Ebola River Valley in Zaire, where the first outbreak occurred. The natural reservoir for Ebola virus is unknown, but it is hypothesized to be an animal host that does not cause disease in its natural state. Humans can become infected with Ebola virus through contact with infected animals or through contact with body fluids or tissues of infected people.
Once a person becomes infected with Ebola virus, the incubation period is 2-21 days. During this time, the person may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. These symptoms are followed by more serious symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, rash, internal and external bleeding. As the disease progresses, it can lead to organ failure and death. There is no specific treatment for Ebola infection; however supportive care including hydration and symptomatic treatment can improve survival rates. Early diagnosis and isolation of patients is critical to preventing further spread of disease.
There have been several outbreaks of Ebola hemorrhagic fever since its discovery in 1976; however the 2014 outbreak in West Africa is by far the largest and most complex outbreak to date. Beginning in December 2013, cases began appearing in Guinea before spreading to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Senegal and Mali. As of September 2014 there have been over 6500 cases reported from these countries with over 3000 deaths recorded . The majority of cases have been concentrated in Guinea (2800), Liberia (2500)and Sierra Leone (1700). However due to current conditions on the ground including limited healthcare resources and infrastructure , lack of trained personnel , political instability ,the true number of infections and fatalities are likely much higher than what has been officially reported . The WHO has declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency Of International Concern(PHEIC)and has called for a coordinated international response to contain the spreadof disease . Several organizations including MSF , CDC ,WHO are working together on containment efforts which include providing medical careto patients , training healthcare workers on proper infection control measures , conducting epidemiological investigations ,contact tracingand supporting safe burials . It will be some time before we know if these containment effortshave been successful but it is clear that this epidemichas had a devastating impact on communitiesin West Africa .
As our understandingof Ebolavirus continues to evolve itis importantthat we remain vigilantin our efforts toprevent future outbreaks from occurring . We must also continue to support those who havebeen affectedby this epidemic both physicallyand emotionally . Only through concerted global actionwill we be able tomove forward towards endingthis tragic event .