Ebola Virus Disease (EVD): An Unprecedented Major Outbreak in West Africa

Ebola virus disease (EVD), one of the deadliest virus diseases has affected a number of African countries periodically ever since 1976. The present epidemic of EVD is being regarded as an unprecedented major outbreak of west Africa involving Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria. About 9,000 people have contracted the disease and nearly 4,500 had fatal outcome. Both morbidity and mortality is likely to increase in coming months due to paucity and non-availability of specific anti-viral drugs and vaccines. Mass education, preventive measures and international commitment on war footing can help contain the present epidemic. However, the epidemic is likely to have significant long lasting economical, social and political after effects.