Ebola Outbreak
Description of the Ebola Disease
A virus that, in most cases, results in hemorrhagic fever causes Ebola. The disease is regarded to be severe in humans. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease can be more fatal if it is not given urgent medical attention. The first cases of Ebola were discovered in the year 1976. The two happened at the same time, with one being reported in Yambuku in the Democratic Republic of Congo and another in Nzara, located in South Sudan (WHO, 2018).
The disease remained silent for sometime until the years 2014 to 2016, where its spread was most pronounced. The West African Nations, in particular Guinea and Liberia, were severely hit by the virus. In Guinea, the ministry of health first reported a strange ailment affecting its citizenry. It was later established that the disease was Ebola. What resulted according to a Centre for Diseases and Control Prevention (CDC) released in the year 2019 was 49 cases and 29 deaths in Guinea.
At this point, the WHO declared the disease. It moved from the village areas of the countries to the urban settings, which are more populated. In Liberia, the condition was in the year 2015 declared free of Ebola; however, there were more cases in the same year that resulted in more concerted effort (CDC, 2019). It was until 2016 that Liberia was free from Ebola. The same year Guinea also declared itself free from the virus after 11,235 people succumbing to the disease and more than 28000 getting infected (CDC, 2019).
Epidemiology of the Disease and its Risk Factors
Ebola virus is considered to be genetically stable (Burd, 2014). Ebola virus is mostly transmitted through body fluids. Mangilal et al. (2015) state that the disease can spread through close contact with those having the disease. Human-to-human interactions are, therefore, the most prominent way through which the infection spreads. Skin contact, sharing bed, sexual intercourse, and taking contaminated drinks will spread the disease. The WHO (2016) established that deceased individuals could also spread the Ebola virus.
Burd (2014) determines that the disease can last on different surfaces over given durations, which poses a risk to any person. A temperature of 4°C is sufficient for the virus to survive (Burd, 2014). Moreover, Human-to-animal interaction aids in the spread of the disease. Primates such as Monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees, and fruit bats are hosts to the virus. People with underlying illnesses can easily contract the disease because their immune system has been compromised. Pregnant women are also at risk of transmitting the disease to their babies.
Mode of Transmission in Pregnant Women
Expectant women previously infected with the virus and have recovered can still transmit it to their babies through breastfeeding. Lactating women with a prior history of the illness should have more tests done on their milk to guarantee the safety of their babies.
Impact on my community
If the virus were to escalate, medical practitioners in health care facilities would be most affected. It is appropriate that healthcare facilities observe all the safety precautions such as the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and the regular washing of hands. Lab technicians require adequate training regarding the virus to avoid its subsequent spread when testing patients.
Report Protocol in my Community
In my community, it is not necessary to report health cases to the state department. The health facilities are allowed to conduct espiomodolgy activities; consequently, healthcare practitioners can report findings to the local department without approaching the State. The procedure hence allows for earlier interventions before the virus escalates.
Strategies to Prevent Ebola Outbreak
In creating awareness about the virus, I would improve my communication strategy by involving stakeholders such as doctors, health officials, and community leaders. Introducing many parties in the process will assist reach a broader audience. Additionally, it would help discard myths about the disease that can cause harm to society.
Another strategy would be to develop a vaccine campaign strategy. The availability of the vaccine is crucial once the affected have been identified and contacts established. This strategy would assist in alleviating fear among those people with the virus and disrupt its spread to other regions.
References
Burd, E. M. (2014). Ebola Virus: A Clear and Present Danger. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 53(1), 4-8. doi:10.1128/jcm.03115-14
CDC. (2019, March 08). 2014-2016 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa. Retrieved June 21, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/history/2014-2016-outbreak/index.html
Mangila, T., Priya, A. S., Jatoth, K., Kumar, M. S., Thirupathi, L., & Kumar, P. (2015). Ebola Virus Disease: A Brief Review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research & Allied Sciences, 4(3).
Word Health Organization. (2016). Ebola Situation Reports. Retrieved June 21, 2020, from https://apps.who.int/ebola/ebola-situation-reports
Word Health Organization. (2018, February). Fact Sheet on Ebola. Retrieved June 21, 2020, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ebola-virus-disease