Ebola virus disease in West Africa – an unprecedented outbreak

Jacqueline Weyer; Lucille Hellen Blumberg; Janusz T Paweska

doi:10.7196/SAMJ.8672

Editorial

Ebola virus disease in West Africa – an unprecedented outbreak

Jacqueline Weyer, Lucille Hellen Blumberg, Janusz T Paweska

Abstract

Ebola virus disease (EVD) has remained rare since its initial description in 1976. The current outbreak of EVD in West Africa is of particular concern, accounting for more than a third of the cases of EVD ever reported. Indications are that at the time of writing the outbreak is far from over. This is also the first recorded outbreak of EVD in this region of Africa. This editorial comments on the current outbreak, reasons why it has proved challenging to contain, signs, symptoms and transmission of EVD, and implications for South Africa.

Authors' affiliations

Jacqueline Weyer, Centre for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa

Lucille Hellen Blumberg, Division for Surveillance and Outbreak Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa

Janusz T Paweska, Centre for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham, Johannsburg, South Africa