Ebola Epidemic description
Description of the 2022 Ebola outbreak in Uganda
Context
Sudan Virus (SUDV) is one of the five filoviruses of the genus Ebolavirus. In September 2022, an outbreak of SUDV was declared in Uganda, a country that has experienced several Ebola outbreaks over the past two decades.
Methods
Using the line list of cases from the Ministry of Health, we aimed to describe the timeline and geographic spread of SUDV cases during the 2022 outbreak, their demographic features, and case fatality rates, in relation to contextual elements and the operational response.
Results
Three aspects of this outbreak are highlighted and discussed: 1. Population mobility and the geographic spread of SUDV cases, 2. A superspreading event in a small rural town, and 3. The difficulty of early detection of Ebola virus disease (EVD), especially in children. Based on these observations, we raise some operational questions and suggest possible interventions to better cope with the challenges experienced by the healthcare system during Ebola outbreak responses.
Conclusion
Prior to, during, and after Ebola outbreaks, continuing efforts are needed to improve preparedness of the healthcare system for better outbreak control and quality of care.
Description of the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak in RDC
Context
On August 1, 2018, the DRC Ministry of Health (MSP) declared the start of the 10th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic, linked to the Zaire ebolavirus strain (EBOV).
Methods
Linelists of cases from the Ministry of Health allowed to analyze the spreading of EBOV cases in relationship with contextual elements, such as the widespread use of Ebola vaccines and introduction of Ebola treatments.
Results
In a region characterized by armed conflict, chronic insecurity and political instability, the epidemic spread to 3 provinces and 29 health zones, infecting a total of 3,464 cases, of which 3,317 confirmed and 146 probable cases. The overall CFR was 65%, with half of the deaths having occurred in the community.
Conclusions
This unpreceded EBOV epidemic was characterized by many difficulties in implementing control measures, but Ebola vaccines and treatments were demonstrated to be efficient in improving both patients’ survival rate and outbreak control.
