Ebola virus disease preparedness and response in Central East Africa

Vos, Luke J

doi:10.5694/mja2.50360

Topics

Infectious diseases

Global health

Environment and public health

Frontline challenges in the world's second largest Ebola outbreak, with regional and global implications

As the second largest recorded Ebola outbreak passes its one‐year anniversary, sustained transmission continues, with wide national distribution and isolated instances of regional spread. The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) presents numerous challenges, while Ebola preparedness measures continue in surrounding nations. Since the 2013–2016 West African outbreak, advances against EVD include new management guidelines, along with extended access to vaccination and investigational therapies. On 17 July 2019, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).1 While the risk of international spread remains low, Australia and other nations must remain vigilant in identifying symptomatic travellers with potential Ebola virus exposure.

Kuluva Hospital, Arua, Uganda

Correspondence: vossey@hotmail.com

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

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