Ebola Epidemic

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Subject: Science and tech

Context:

The World Health Organization on Monday confirmed a second outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, just as an initial outbreak appeared to be ending.

Concept:

Causative agent

  • Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a deadly disease with occasional outbreaks that occur primarily on the African continent.
  • EVD most commonly affects people and nonhuman primates (such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees).
  • It is caused by an infection with a group of viruses within the genus Ebolavirus
  • Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Scientists do not know where Ebola virus comes from. However, based on the nature of similar viruses, they believe the virus is animal-borne, with bats or nonhuman primates with bats or nonhuman primates (chimpanzees, apes, monkeys, etc.) being the most likely source.

Transmission

  • Infected animals carrying the virus can transmit it to other animals, like apes, monkeys, duikers and humans.
  • The virus spreads to people initially through direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of animals.
  • Ebola virus then spreads to other people through direct contact with body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from EVD. This can occur when a person touches these infected body fluids (or objects that are contaminated with them), and the virus gets in through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • People can get the virus through sexual contact with someone who is sick with EVD, and also after recovery from EVD. The virus can persist in certain body fluids, like semen, after recovery from the illness.

Treatment:

  • Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks.
  • Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilisation.