In April 2014, starting in Guinea, there was an outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease which was the 26th outbreak in history and the longest Ebola epidemic so far. The epidemic ravaged throughout the year into 2015. Affected countries include Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Senegal, United States, Spain, Mali and United Kingdom. Highest number of cases and deaths recorded were in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
Efforts have been going on especially in the highly affected nations to curb the epidemic. The last cluster of cases recorded of the Ebola virus occurred in Liberia, the first case in the cluster was a fifteen-year old boy who was reported dead on 23rd November, 2015. The two other cases: His 40-year old father and 8-year old brother were tested and twice, they tested negative and were discharged on 3rd December, 2015.
As at 11th December, 2015, rVSV-ZEBOV Ebola Vaccine had been administered to the 210 cases associated with the cluster. This cluster of cases in Liberia is said to have been caused by a resurgence of Ebola virus in a formerly infected fellow. Even though the probability of transmission through resurgence of the virus from a previously infected person is low, there is need to put in place a care-plan and follow-up services for those who survive the disease to ensure there is no re-emergence. In Liberia and Sierra Leone, work is already been done and clinical services are already being put in place to cater for the survivors. This care-plan project for survivors is due for completion in January 2016.
There is also a surveillance system in place to keep close watch on sicknesses and deaths with suspected trace to the Ebola Virus Disease. This is to ensure there is no reemergence of EVD. Rapid response teams have been set up across the affected nations, at least one in each nation to ensure that they are able to detect, test and investigate, manage and curtail any new cases that may surface. These measures are to reduce the risks of the disease and improve emergency response in event of new cases.
As long as a particular state, city or nation still has traces of Ebola Virus Disease and has not been declared “Ebola Free”, people everywhere may still be at risk. Every country should be prepared and ready to effectively detect, investigate, test for, and manage the spread of the disease. They should also have adequate and well-monitored healthcare systems for both new cases and survivors.
Written By: Paul Ozioma
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