Global Epidemiology of Ebola Disease: A Review of the West African Outbreak | Chapter 1 | Current Trends in Disease and Health Vol. 3
EVD is a disease of humans and other non-human primates caused by Ebola
viruses, which was first discovered in 1976. Between 1976 and 2013 there had
been 24 outbreaks of the disease. The recent outbreak is the 26th and has seen
more deaths than all other outbreaks from the disease combined. This outbreak
in West Africa occurred in five countries: Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal,
and Sierra Leone. In the present research article, the authors reviewed various
studies and current research on EVD. EVD was initially restricted to West
Africa when the outbreak was first identified but later was reported in several
countries around the world, including the USA. Researchers have begun to use
mathematical analysis from previous outbreaks to construct the Atangana's Beta
Ebola System of Equations (ABESE), which is being used to predict the spread of
future outbreaks. The pathophysiology and transmission factors, including the
basic and effective reproduction numbers, R0 and Re are discussed in detail.
Prevention and control measures, such as proper hygiene techniques (both
preventative and post-exposure), education (including educating communities on
proper burial techniques), reduction in the consumption and exposure to bush
meat, and controlled prevention of the spread of the disease (proper personal
protective equipment and protocol upon exposure or in high-risk environments),
are outlined. The history and current outbreak are reviewed in detail, which
compares the differences in previous outbreaks compared to the current. Earlier
(and less deadly) outbreaks have also been traced to the ZEBOV strain, and
researchers suggest that the evolutionary rate of gene mutations was
accelerated in this current outbreak. Death occurs in approximately 40% of
affected individuals within 7-12 days after the onset of initial symptoms and
is most often associated with multi-organ failure. Researchers outline the
WHO’s criteria for screening and diagnosis, including primary, secondary and
entry screening. There is currently no
approved cure for EDV, only supportive and experimental treatment and a
currently FDA approved vaccine from Merck & Co’s. There are ongoing trials
on the following vaccinations: ZMapp, TKM-Ebola, Favipiravir, cAd3,
rVSVΔG-ZEBOVGP12, REGN-EB3 and mAb-114. This review article will attempt to
summarize the current state of understanding on EVD and explore the most recent
and accepted information including the epidemiology of the disease, etiology
and pathophysiology, transmission, prevention and control, history, recent
outbreaks in West Africa, clinical manifestations, screening and diagnosis, and
treatment and clinical trials.
Author(s) Details
Adekunle O. Sanyaolu
AMOOF Healthcare Consulting,
Canada.
Chuku Okorie
Essex County College, Newark, New
Jersey, USA.
Olanrewaju Badaru
Epidemiology
Division, Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Federal Ministry of
Health, Nigeria.
Aleksandra Marinkovic
Saint James School of Medicine,
BWI, Anguilla.
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