Ebola virus disease control (in West Africa): an ecological, one health approach
The 2013-15 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in West Africa had similar nuances with the 1976 outbreaks in Central Africa; both were caused by the Zaire Ebola Virus strain and originated from rural forested communities. The definitive reservoir host of Ebola virus still remains unknown till date. Howeve...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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The Pan African Medical Journal
2015-05-01
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| Series: | The Pan African Medical Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
https://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/21/6/pdf/6.pdf
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| Summary: | The 2013-15 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in West Africa had similar nuances with the 1976 outbreaks in Central Africa; both were caused by the Zaire Ebola Virus strain and originated from rural forested communities. The definitive reservoir host of Ebola virus still remains unknown till date. However, from ecological perspective, it is known that the virus first emerged from forest ecotypes interfacing with human activities. As at March 2015, the outbreak has claimed over 9000, which is unprecedented. Though it remains unproved, the primary sources of infection for past and present outbreaks are forest dwelling, human-hunted fauna. Understanding the ecological factors at play in these forest ecotypes where wild fauna interface with human and causing pathogen spill over is important. A broad based One Health approach incorporating these ecological concepts in the control of Ebola Virus Disease caneffectively ameliorate or forestall infection now and in the future. |
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| ISSN: | 1937-8688 1937-8688 |