Western African Ebola epidemic

Western African Ebola Epidemic

The Western African Ebola epidemic was a significant outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) that occurred in West Africa from 2013 to 2016. It was the most widespread outbreak of Ebola virus disease in history, causing major loss of life and socioeconomic disruption in the region.

Simplified map of the 2014 Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa

Background

The Ebola virus is a filovirus that causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and other primates. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission. The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%, but it can vary from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks.

Outbreak

The outbreak began in December 2013 in a small village in Guinea. The first cases were reported in the Guéckédou region, near the borders with Sierra Leone and Liberia. The virus spread rapidly to urban areas and across borders, leading to a widespread epidemic.

Map showing the spread of the Ebola outbreak

Affected Countries

The countries most affected by the epidemic were Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. These countries experienced widespread transmission of the virus, with thousands of cases and deaths reported.

Guinea

Guinea was the origin of the outbreak, with the first cases reported in December 2013. The virus spread from rural areas to the capital, Conakry, and other regions.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone reported its first cases in May 2014. The virus spread rapidly, affecting all districts of the country. The capital, Freetown, was heavily impacted.

Liberia

Liberia was severely affected, with the first cases reported in March 2014. The capital, Monrovia, experienced a high number of cases, overwhelming the healthcare system.

Response

The response to the epidemic involved local governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Efforts included setting up treatment centers, contact tracing, safe burials, and public health education.

Graph showing the number of Ebola cases over time

International Involvement

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2014. Various countries and organizations provided support, including the deployment of healthcare workers and military personnel to assist in the response.

Challenges

The response faced numerous challenges, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, cultural practices, and community resistance. Misinformation and fear also hindered efforts to control the outbreak.

Impact

The epidemic had a profound impact on the affected countries, with over 28,000 cases and more than 11,000 deaths reported. The healthcare systems were overwhelmed, and the economies of the affected countries suffered significant setbacks.

Graph showing the number of Ebola deaths over time

Recovery and Lessons Learned

Post-epidemic recovery efforts focused on rebuilding healthcare systems, improving disease surveillance, and strengthening public health infrastructure. The epidemic highlighted the need for global preparedness and rapid response to infectious disease outbreaks.

Related Pages

• Ebola virus disease
• World Health Organization
• Public Health Emergency of International Concern

Situation map of the 2014 West Africa Ebola virus outbreak

Gallery

Kenema Hospital in Sierra Leone during the Ebola outbreak