West African Ebola virus epidemic

West African Ebola virus epidemic

The West African Ebola virus epidemic (2013–2016) was the most widespread outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in history—causing major loss of life and socioeconomic disruption in the region, primarily in the countries of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The first cases were recorded in Guinea in December 2013; later, the disease spread to neighboring countries including Liberia and Sierra Leone, with minor outbreaks occurring elsewhere. It was the largest Ebola outbreak ever documented, and the first recorded in the region.

Causes and Transmission

The epidemic was caused by the Ebola virus, an RNA virus 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 World Health Organization (WHO) identified fruit bats as the likely source of the virus, acting as natural hosts. Transmission can occur through contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, or from contact with contaminated objects.

Timeline and Impact

The outbreak began in December 2013 in Guinea and quickly spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone, with smaller outbreaks occurring in Nigeria, Mali, and Senegal. The epidemic lasted until June 2016, with Liberia being the last country to be declared Ebola-free. Over the course of the epidemic, there were more than 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths, making it the deadliest occurrence of the disease since its discovery in 1976.

The epidemic had a significant impact on the health systems of the affected countries, many of which were already fragile. It also led to widespread fear and panic, which contributed to social unrest and economic disruption. The response to the epidemic was hampered by the lack of infrastructure, the initial slow response from the international community, and local customs and beliefs that sometimes hindered control efforts.

International Response

The international response to the epidemic involved coordination by the World Health Organization, along with aid from various countries and non-governmental organizations. The response included the deployment of health professionals, the establishment of Ebola treatment centers, and the development of an experimental Ebola vaccine, which was used in a trial in Guinea in 2015.

Aftermath

The West African Ebola virus epidemic highlighted the need for a stronger health infrastructure and better emergency response mechanisms, both in the affected countries and internationally. It also led to increased research into Ebola and the development of vaccines and treatments to combat the virus.

See Also

• Ebola virus disease
• Epidemiology of Ebola virus disease
• 2014 Ebola virus disease epidemic in West Africa