The 2013-2016 Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa

The largest, longest, and deadliest ever-recorded outbreak of Ebola virus disease in human history occurred in West Africa from December 2013 to March 2016 causing 28,652 infections resulting in 11,325 deaths in 10 countries with 99% of the fatality occurred in neighboring Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. This was the first time the virus outbreak occurred outside its niche in East and Central Africa. This study identified some of the factors that complicated the outbreak, which include delay in the identification of the pathogen, weak health systems, unavailability of licensed drugs or vaccines for the disease, delay in global responses, and cultural practices. Responses were mostly limited to testing, barrier nursing, and treatment of complications. Experimental drugs and vaccines were deployed on compassionate grounds, few have been further developed, trialed, and licensed. It is therefore expected that the current outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Guinea will be better managed.

Automated summary

The largest, longest, and deadliest outbreak of Ebola virus disease in history occurred in West Africa from 2013 to 2016, mainly affecting Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Factors that complicated the outbreak included delays in pathogen identification and weak healthcare systems, while experimental drugs and vaccines were used to treat the disease and improve outbreak management.