West Africa Ebola Virus Disease Epidemic: The Africa Experience

Abstract

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe acute viral illness characterized by sudden onset of fever, myalgia, malaise, and severe headache, followed by vomiting and diarrhea and, in some instances, bleeding. The 2014 West Africa outbreak is the largest in history, affecting multiple countries in West Africa and beyond. The case fatality rate is estimated to be as high as 70 percent. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Currently, there is neither specific therapy nor commercially available Ebola virus vaccines. General medical support with strict attention to barrier isolation is very critical. Education of communities at risk, especially healthcare workers, can greatly reduce the spread of EVD.

Keywords: West Africa, Ebola Virus, Epidemics, Experience