Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa

Ebola Virus Epidemic in West Africa

The Ebola Virus Epidemic in West Africa was a widespread outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) that occurred primarily in West Africa from 2014 to 2016. The epidemic is considered the most widespread outbreak of EVD in history, causing significant mortality and socioeconomic disruption in the region.

Pronunciation

The term "Ebola" is pronounced /iːˈboʊlə/.

Etymology

The name "Ebola" comes from the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus was first identified in 1976.

Epidemiology

The epidemic began in Guinea in December 2013 and then spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone. Other countries in West Africa, including Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal, also reported cases.

Symptoms and Transmission

The Ebola virus causes an acute, serious illness which is often fatal if untreated. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission.

Prevention and Control

Prevention includes measures to reduce wildlife-to-human and human-to-human transmission. Control measures include prompt and safe burial of the dead, identifying people who may have been in contact with someone infected with Ebola, and separating the healthy from the sick.

Related Terms

• Ebola virus disease
• Viral hemorrhagic fever
• Zoonotic diseases
• Epidemic
• Pandemic

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa
• Wikipedia's article - Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa

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