GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered: Issues related to health.
Context:
Ebola survivors can relapse and trigger outbreaks at least five years after infection, and long-term follow-up of former patients is needed to prevent devastating flare-ups, according to new research.
- The study notes that these “virus reservoirs” appear able to awaken and cause new infections and transmission years on.
Implications for public health and care of survivors of Ebola:
- Humans can now be added to the list of intermediate hosts that can serve as long-term Ebola virus ‘reservoirs’ and trigger new outbreaks.
- There is a need to prioritise healthcare workers for vaccination and monitor Ebola survivors for signs of a flare-up.
- A broader definition of “Ebola survivor” is now needed, beyond those who battled through symptoms.
Background:
The Ebola outbreak in 2014-2016 killed 11,300 people, mostly in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
- In May 2021, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) officially declared the end of the 12th Ebola outbreak.
About Ebola:
Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans.
Transmission: The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission.
The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks.
Prevention: Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on case management, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service and social mobilisation.
Treatment: Early supportive care with rehydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralise the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development.
Insta Curious:
Do you know what exactly is Public Health Emergency of International Concern? How many PHEIC declarations have been made so far? Read here
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- How is Ebola spread?
- What are zoonotic diseases?
- Differences between virus, bacteria and other pathogens.
- Where is Congo?
- Regions in Africa where Ebola outbreak was observed?
Mains Link:
Discuss how the Ebola pandemic was handled by the Congo Republic.
Sources: the Hindu.
