Ebola '76

Ebola '76 is a novel by Sudanese author Amir Tag Elsir, published in 2012. The book is a fictional account inspired by the first recorded outbreak of the Ebola virus in 1976 in Zaire and Sudan.

Plot summary

The novel follows the story of a Sudanese man named Louis Nawa, who becomes a carrier of the Ebola virus after visiting a hospital in Zaire. Unaware of his condition, Louis travels back to his hometown in Sudan, inadvertently spreading the virus to his community. The narrative explores the impact of the outbreak on the local population, highlighting themes of fear, superstition, and the struggle to contain the disease.

Themes

Ebola '76 delves into several themes, including:

• Fear and Panic: The novel portrays the fear and panic that ensue when the Ebola virus begins to spread, illustrating how misinformation and lack of understanding exacerbate the situation.
• Cultural Beliefs: The story examines how traditional beliefs and practices influence the community's response to the outbreak, often hindering efforts to control the spread of the virus.
• Isolation and Stigma: Characters in the novel experience isolation and stigma as a result of the disease, reflecting the social challenges faced by those affected by Ebola.

Characters

• Louis Nawa: The protagonist, a Sudanese man who unknowingly becomes a carrier of the Ebola virus.
• Dr. Ibrahim: A local doctor who attempts to manage the outbreak and educate the community about the virus.
• Fatima: Louis's wife, who becomes one of the first victims of the virus in their village.

Impact

Ebola '76 provides a fictionalized account of a real historical event, offering readers insight into the human and social dimensions of an Ebola outbreak. The novel has been praised for its vivid storytelling and its ability to convey the complexities of dealing with a highly infectious disease in a resource-limited setting.

Related pages

• Ebola virus disease
• 1976 Ebola outbreak in Zaire
• Amir Tag Elsir

Gallery

Cover of the Arabic edition of Ebola '76