Infectious diseases are a constant threat to human life. Various scientific research findings since the 19th century have, however, paved the way for an improved comprehension of infectious diseases with regards to their natural history and the preventive measures to control them. These measures include vector control, immunisation, and water treatment. The implementation of these measures over the last century brought about huge victories for mankind in the battle to control infectious diseases. A good example of such victories is the eradication of smallpox in the year 1979. In recent decades nonetheless, the incidence of infectious diseases which were thought to be well controlled has increased in several locations across the world. Antimicrobial resistance is also on the rise globally and diseases which were previously unknown to man have also emerged. These issues have become global problems which require urgent assessment and resolution. This essay is an in-depth critical review of the literature on Ebola, one of the emerging communicable diseases. The essay will discuss the concept of disease emergence, provide a brief history about the Ebola virus, review the factors that have contributed to the emergence of Ebola infection, discuss some of the current policies to control this disease and make recommendations on strategies to improve on the current Ebola control policies.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Concept of Emergence
- Historical Facts About Ebola
- Contributory Factors to the Emergence of Ebola
- The Agent
- The Human Host
- The Human Environment
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to provide a critical review of the literature on Ebola, focusing on its emergence as a communicable disease. It will explore the concept of disease emergence, examine the historical context of Ebola, and analyze the factors contributing to its emergence.
- The concept of emerging infectious diseases, including both newly emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
- The historical context and characteristics of the Ebola virus, including its discovery and various outbreaks.
- Factors contributing to Ebola emergence, encompassing the role of the virus itself, human susceptibility, and environmental influences.
- Current policies for Ebola control and potential strategies for improvement.
- The impact of human behavior, socio-economic factors and climate change on Ebola emergence.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage by highlighting the persistent threat of infectious diseases and the historical successes in controlling them. It then introduces the rise of emerging infectious diseases, including antimicrobial resistance and previously unknown pathogens. The essay focuses specifically on Ebola, outlining its scope and objectives: to critically review the literature on Ebola, exploring its emergence, history, contributing factors, current control policies, and potential improvements to these policies. The introduction establishes the importance of understanding Ebola's emergence in the context of broader global health challenges.
The Concept of Emergence: This chapter defines emerging infectious diseases, differentiating between newly emerging and re-emerging pathogens. It explains the two crucial steps for disease emergence: introduction to a vulnerable host population and the agent's ability to establish itself and spread. The chapter cites examples of emerging diseases, including Avian flu, Swine flu, MERS, and Zika virus, highlighting Ebola's significance among these. The discussion establishes a framework for understanding the dynamic process of disease emergence and the factors that contribute to it.
Historical Facts About Ebola: This section presents a concise history of the Ebola virus, tracing its discovery in 1976 to two simultaneous outbreaks in Central Africa (Yambuku, DRC, and Nzara, South Sudan). It details the virus's classification within the Filoviridae family, identifies the five known species (Zaire, Bundibugyo, Sudan, Reston, and Tai Forest), and highlights the association of the Zaire species with the 2014-2016 West African outbreak. The chapter describes the virus's incubation period, symptoms (fatigue, fever, headaches, etc.), transmission routes (direct contact with infected bodily fluids), and diagnostic challenges, emphasizing the lack of a proven cure and the ongoing development of a vaccine. The historical overview contextualizes the virus's characteristics and its impact on human populations.
Contributory Factors to the Emergence of Ebola: This chapter delves into the multifaceted factors driving Ebola's emergence. It examines the role of the virus itself (its genetic makeup, mutations, and potential for increased lethality), highlighting the importance of understanding its evolutionary dynamics. It further explores human susceptibility, considering genetic factors, demographics, behavior (bushmeat hunting, urbanization, international travel), and environmental influences (climate change, poverty, lack of infrastructure). The chapter synthesizes these diverse elements, demonstrating the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the virus's emergence and spread, emphasizing the interconnectedness of viral properties, human behavior, and environmental conditions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Ebola virus, emerging infectious diseases, disease emergence, Filoviridae, viral hemorrhagic fever, human-animal interaction, bushmeat, climate change, socio-economic factors, public health, epidemic control, vaccine development.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ebola Virus Emergence - A Critical Review
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an essay critically reviewing the literature on Ebola virus emergence. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The goal is to offer a structured overview of the essay's content for academic use.
What topics are covered in the essay?
The essay explores the concept of emerging infectious diseases, focusing specifically on the Ebola virus. It examines the historical context of Ebola outbreaks, analyzes the factors contributing to its emergence (including the virus's characteristics, human susceptibility, and environmental influences), reviews current control policies, and discusses potential improvements to these policies. The impact of human behavior, socio-economic factors, and climate change are also considered.
What are the key themes of the essay?
Key themes include the definition and characteristics of emerging infectious diseases, the historical context of Ebola, the multifaceted factors contributing to its emergence (viral properties, human factors, environmental factors), current Ebola control strategies, and the need for improved policies and strategies. The interplay between human behavior, socio-economic conditions, and environmental changes in relation to Ebola emergence is a central focus.
What are the main chapters and their summaries?
The essay includes chapters on:
- Introduction: Sets the stage by discussing infectious diseases and introduces the focus on Ebola.
- The Concept of Emergence: Defines emerging infectious diseases and explains the process of emergence.
- Historical Facts About Ebola: Provides a concise history of the Ebola virus, including its discovery, outbreaks, characteristics, and transmission.
- Contributory Factors to the Emergence of Ebola: Examines the complex interplay of viral, human, and environmental factors that contribute to Ebola's emergence.
What are the key words associated with this essay?
Key words include: Ebola virus, emerging infectious diseases, disease emergence, Filoviridae, viral hemorrhagic fever, human-animal interaction, bushmeat, climate change, socio-economic factors, public health, epidemic control, and vaccine development.
What is the target audience for this document?
This document is intended for academic use, supporting analysis of themes related to Ebola emergence in a structured and professional manner. It is suitable for researchers, students, and anyone interested in a detailed overview of the topic.
Where can I find more information about Ebola?
This document provides a summary; further detailed information on Ebola can be found in the full essay (if available) and through reputable scientific literature and public health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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- Emenike Muonanu (Autor:in), 2018, Emerging Communicable Diseases: Ebola, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/889210
