Abstract:
Since the first reported outbreak of Ebola in 1976, there have been approximately 25 outbreaks all of which, except two, have been reported only in east and central Africa. The current outbreak and a single case reported in 1994 in Ivory Coast are the only two outbreaks in West Africa (7). However, the current outbreak, which stared in Guinea (Bissau) in March 2014, remains the deadliest today and the epidemic is still ongoing. New cases are reported daily, particularly in Liberia. This outbreak is unprecedented in many ways. It is the most persisting, lasting more than five months. The spread is across nations and has the largest number of victims. Close to 1500 individuals are dead and very close to 3000 people are infected. More doctors and nurses and other health care workers are infected when compared with previous outbreaks. Over 240 healthcare workers are infected with more than 120 deaths (7). This outbreak also has the least fatality when compared to previous outbreaks. So far, 47% of those infected survive the disease. This work outlines the previous outbreaks and gives a brief summary of current knowledge about EVD.
