Global Epidemiology of EBOLA Disease: A Review
Journal Title: International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health - Year 2016, Vol 12, Issue 3
Abstract
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 bushmeat, 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 compare 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 cure for EDV, only supportive treatment. There are current drug trials on the following vaccinations: ZMapp, TKM-Ebola, Favipiravir, cAd3 and VSVΔ-EBOVGP12. This review article will attempt to summarize the current state of understanding on EVD and explore the most recent and accepted information including epidemiology of the disease, etiology and pathophysiology, transmission, prevention and control, history, recent outbreaks, clinical manifestations, screening and diagnosis, and treatment and clinical trials.
Authors and Affiliations
Adekunle Sanyaolu, Chuku Okorie, Olanrewaju Badaru, Alex Adler, Michelle Boucher, Kurtis Carlson, David Johnson, Myriam Jolicoeur, Aleksandra Marinkovic, Philip Mead, Delini Sivakumar, Madison Stewart, Alexander Stirpe
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP328971
- DOI 10.9734/IJTDH/2016/22284
- Views 64
- Downloads 0
Plasmodium knowlesi Infection: Should Africa be Prepared for a New Human Malaria Threat?
Background: Human malaria was always believed to be caused by any of four species of Plasmodium namely; Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale and P. malariae. However, a few years ago, it was observed that Plasmodium...
Can Malaria Interfere with the Diagnosis of HIV Infection?
A 40 year old woman presented to the medical outpatient clinic of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu with an acute febrile illness. She had blood film malaria parasitaemia of 2,400 parasites/μl, and tested pos...
Utilization of HIV Testing and Counseling Services by Men in the Bolgatanga Municipality
Background: In the absence of an effective vaccine and cure for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), testing and counseling for HIV remains an important intervention in the control of the infection. However, utilization o...
Ectopic Pregnancy: Recent Experience in a Tertiary Hospital, South-Southern Nigeria
Objective: To assess the incidence, clinical presentation, management and associated morbidity of ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary health institution in South-southern Nigeria over a 2-year period. Methods: Hospital-based...
Association between Malaria Prevalence and Seropositivity of Immunoglobulin G Subtypes Directed to Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 1-19
Aims: To determine Immunoglobulin G (IgG) subtypes (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4) responses to PfMSP1-19 antigens and their associations with malaria across different age groups. Study Design: A community based cross secti...