Ebola Virus Disease: Characteristics, Causes, and Impact

Characteristics of EVD

Severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Ebola virus. Transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids. Symptoms: Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding. High fatality rate (50-90%). Incubation period: 2-21 days.

Causes of EVD

Zoonotic disease from fruit bats. Transmission through bushmeat consumption and contact with infected animals. Human-to-human spread via bodily fluids. Severity factors: Poor healthcare, high population density, cultural burial practices.

Spatial Distribution of EVD

Found in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly Central & West Africa. More common in rural areas but can spread to cities. Potential for international spread through infected travelers.

Temporal Distribution of EVD

Sporadic outbreaks since 1976. Major outbreaks: 2014-2016 (West Africa), 2018-2020 (DROC). Most outbreaks occur in the wet season.

Physical Processes Affecting EVD Spread

Warm, humid climate allows virus survival. Natural reservoirs include fruit bats and primates. Seasonal migration of animals increases human exposure.

Human Processes Affecting EVD Spread

Deforestation & urbanization increase human-wildlife contact. Global travel spreads disease. Poor sanitation & healthcare systems accelerate outbreaks. Traditional burial practices contribute to transmission.

Why LEDCs Are More Vulnerable to EVD (Physical Factors)

Tropical climate favors virus survival. Remote communities lack healthcare access. High biodiversity increases risk of zoonotic spillover.

Why LEDCs Are More Vulnerable to EVD (Human Factors)

Weak healthcare systems with few treatment centers. Poverty limits access to medical care. Political instability disrupts response efforts. Low literacy & misinformation fuel distrust in health officials.

Magnitude of the DROC Crisis

Over 3,400 cases, more than 2,200 deaths. Second-largest Ebola outbreak in history. WHO declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Duration of the DROC Crisis

August 2018 - June 2020 (nearly 2 years).

Frequency of the DROC Crisis

Ebola outbreaks occur sporadically in the DRC. Multiple outbreaks since 1976 due to natural virus reservoirs.

Probability of Future Outbreaks in DRC

High likelihood due to natural reservoirs (bats), weak healthcare, and political instability.

Scale of Spatial Impact of DROC Crisis

Most affected areas: North Kivu & Ituri provinces. Cross-border risk to Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. International response from WHO & NGOs.

Causes of the DROC Crisis

Origin likely from wildlife-to-human spillover. Transmission through close contact, traditional burial practices. Severity worsened by conflict, community resistance, and weak healthcare.

Environmental Impacts of DROC Crisis

Deforestation increased human-animal contact. Medical waste posed contamination risks.

Economic Impacts of DROC Crisis

Job losses, disrupted trade & agriculture. Decreased foreign investment.

Social Impacts of DROC Crisis

High mortality & psychological trauma. Quarantines led to community breakdown. Stigma against survivors & healthcare workers.

How Humans Intensified the DROC Crisis

Delayed response due to conflict. Healthcare workers attacked by armed groups. Misinformation & distrust in vaccines. Urban spread due to population movement.

Preparedness Strategy: Vaccination Campaigns (rVSV-ZEBOV)

Helped reduce transmission. Faced resistance & logistical challenges. Ultimately helped contain outbreak.

Mitigation Strategy: Contact Tracing & Quarantine

Helped isolate cases. Hard to enforce in conflict zones. Resistance from communities limited success.