RESUMO
The recent Ebola outbreak in Western Africa was the most devastating outbreak witnessed in recent times. There have been remarkable local and international efforts to control the crisis. Ebola Virus Disease is the focus of immense research activity. The progression of events in the region has been evolving swiftly and it is of paramount importance to the medical community to be acquainted with the situation. Over 28000 people were inflicted with the condition, over 11000 have died. Novel data has emerged regarding modes of transmission, providing rationale for recent flare-ups. Similarly, studies on survivors are elucidating the later stages of the disease recovery process. Novel techniques for diagnosis are also discussed. Finally, the current research regarding treatment and vaccine development is reviewed, particularly the implementation of rVSV-ZEBOV vaccination programs.
RESUMO
The recent Ebola outbreak in Western Africa was the most devastating outbreak witnessed in recent times. There have been remarkable local and international efforts to control the crisis. Ebola Virus Disease is the focus of immense research activity. The progression of events in the region has been evolving swiftly and it is of paramount importance to the medical community to be acquainted with the situation. Over 28 000 people were inflicted with the condition, over 11 000 have died. Novel data has emerged regarding modes of transmission, providing rationale for recent flare-ups. Similarly, studies on survivors are elucidating the later stages of the disease recovery process. Novel techniques for diagnosis are also discussed. Finally, the current research regarding treatment and vaccine development is reviewed, particularly the implementation of rVSV-ZEBOV vaccination programs.
RESUMO
The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, primarily affecting Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, has exceeded all previous Ebola outbreaks in the number of cases and in international response. Although infections only occur frequently in Western Africa, the virus has the potential to spread globally and is classified as a category A pathogen that could be misused as a bioterrorism agent. This review aims (i) to discuss the latest data to aid our current recommendations for the prevention and control of the Ebola virus infection, (ii) to review its pathophysiology as well as offering insights on the most current data available about Ebola vaccine progress and potential use.
RESUMO
The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, primarily affecting Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, has exceeded all previous Ebola outbreaks in the number of cases and in international response. Although infections only occur frequently in Western Africa, the virus has the potential to spread globally and is classified as a category A pathogen that could be misused as a bioterrorism agent. This review aims (i) to discuss the latest data to aid our current recommendations for the prevention and control of the Ebola virus infection, (ii) to review its pathophysiology as well as offering insights on the most current data available about Ebola vaccine progress and potential use.