Why In News?

The World Health Organization reports that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is on track to become the deadliest in history.

About Ebola Virus 

  • Ebola is a viral haemorrhagic disease, causing severe fever and, in advanced cases, uncontrolled bleeding.

  • It is caused by the Ebola virus, of which multiple species exist, including Zaire and Bundibugyo.

  • It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it originates in animals (believed to be linked to fruit bats) before spilling over into humans.

  • It carries a high case fatality risk — case fatality rates in the past two Bundibugyo virus outbreaks ranged from 30% to 50% (Source: World Health Organization).

  • Once introduced into a human population, it spreads through human-to-human transmission.

  • It carries high mortality, with the case fatality rate for Bundibugyo virus reaching up to 50% in past outbreaks. (Source: WHO)

 

How Ebola Spreads

  • Through direct contact with infected body fluids (blood, vomit, and other secretions).

  • Through close contact with infected patients, especially during advanced illness.

  • Through unsafe burial practices, since traditional burial rituals often involve direct contact with the deceased's body.

  • Through healthcare-associated transmission, particularly where infection control is inadequate — several health workers have died in the current outbreak.

  • Through human-wildlife transmission at the point of initial spillover from animal reservoirs.

Symptoms

  • Fever

  • Severe weakness

  • Muscle pain

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhoea

  • Bleeding in severe cases

Vaccines and Treatment

  • Existing Ebola vaccines (Ervebo, Mvabea/Zabdeno) target the Zaire strain and are not licensed for the Bundibugyo virus causing the current outbreak.

  • Monoclonal antibodies developed for Zaire-strain Ebola may have limited or unproven efficacy against Bundibugyo virus.

  • Supportive care — fluid replacement, symptom management — remains the primary, life-saving treatment available for Bundibugyo virus disease.

  • Clinical trials are underway, with WHO's Technical Advisory Group on candidate vaccine prioritization for Bundibugyo virus disease convening to assess options.

Source: WASHINGTONPOST

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. The "One Health" approach, often mentioned in the context of zoonotic disease outbreaks like Ebola, refers to:

(a) A single global vaccine strategy for all infectious diseases

(b) An approach recognising the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health

(c) A WHO framework limited to human disease surveillance only

(d) A bilateral health cooperation mechanism between two countries

Answer: (b)

The "One Health" approach is an integrated method that recognizes the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.