Western African Ebola virus epidemic

The Western African Ebola virus epidemic (IPA: /ˈɛbələ/; etymology: named after the Ebola River in Democratic Republic of Congo) was a widespread outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Western Africa, which occurred from 2013 to 2016.

Overview

The epidemic primarily affected three countries: Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. It resulted in significant mortality, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting a total of 28,616 suspected cases and 11,310 deaths. This epidemic was characterized by the widespread transmission of the Ebola virus in communities, healthcare settings, and across international borders.

Cause

The epidemic was caused by the Zaire ebolavirus species, one of six known species within the genus Ebolavirus. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the Ebola virus disease include sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.

Treatment

There is no proven treatment available for EVD. However, a range of potential treatments including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies are currently being evaluated.

Prevention

Prevention includes reducing the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission, avoiding close contact with Ebola patients and proper burial of the deceased.

Impact

The epidemic had a significant impact on the healthcare systems and economies of the affected countries. It also highlighted the need for improved global preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases.

References

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Western African Ebola virus epidemic
Wikipedia's article - Western African Ebola virus epidemic

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Western African Ebola virus epidemic