scholarly journals Prediction of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) infestation trends across fruit bats migratory seasons

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Pierre NAMAHORO ◽  
Xiao Haijun

Abstract Background : The majority of the rural populace of West and Central Africa participate actively in bushmeat commodity trade. The peak of this trade usually occurs during the migration of massive flocks of fruit bats. Unfortunately, this commercial period happens to coincides with the most conducive time for the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which is transmitted by these fruit bats. We, therefore, conducted this study to predict EVD infestation trend among individuals who might be vulnerable and/or infected (hunters, vendors, and consumers of bushmeat) as a result of this seasonal bats migration. Methods: A secondary data collected in Ghana and semi-structured questionnaires were administered to international students from 7 countries (Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ghana, Liberia, Zambia, Gabon, Guinea, and Ivory-Coast) and responses collated were used in this study. Bivariate correlation, probabilistic transmission rate of EVD, and probabilistic model (P-SIR) were employed to predict susceptible and infected individuals. Results : In all affected countries, it was observed that; there was a yearly bats’ migration pattern. 80 % of all interviewees confirmed that hunting, trading and consuming of bats influenced the rapid spread of EVD. The bivariate correlation between fruit bats and people involved in the bushmeat commodity chain was significant (p < 0.05) and the probability of infected bats were equally significant across the sampled countries. The estimated probabilistic rate was between 0.0099 and 0.01120, while individuals susceptible to EVD were predicted to be approximately between 5 and 45 (hunters), 0-18 f(vendors), and 25-90 (consumers). Conclusion : The migratory season of fruit bats contributes to EVD transmission in the most affected countries. People should avoid bushmeat consumption or eradicate all activities leading to the interaction with fruit bats to reduce the spread of EVD (Ebola) especially during the migratory seasons. Policy-makers and government agencies should also put in mechanisms that will protect their citizens during the fruit bats season. Keywords : bushmeat commodity chain, Ebola, migration season, EVD, fruit bats

2016 ◽  
Vol 339 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 517-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Hassanin ◽  
Nicolas Nesi ◽  
Julie Marin ◽  
Blaise Kadjo ◽  
Xavier Pourrut ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 96-99
Author(s):  
Oluwafolajimi Adetoye Adesanya

Over the years, the African continent has had to battle several outbreaks of infectious diseases in different countries. Some of the most deadly were the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks that occurred in West Africa between 2014 and 2016 affecting Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and, more recently, from 2018 to 2020 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that as a continent, we draw lessons and insights from our past experiences to guide outbreak response strategies being deployed to curb the latest onslaught. The Ebola outbreaks have shown that disease outbreaks should not be seen only as medical emergencies, but as full blown humanitarian crises, because oftentimes, their socio-economic impacts are more devastating than the more obvious cost to life. In this mini-review, we explore the possible humanitarian costs of the COVID-19 pandemic on the African continent by looking through the lens of our past experiences with the EVD outbreaks, highlighting how the current pandemic could significantly affect the African economy, food security, and vulnerable demographics, like children and the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls. We then proffer recommendations that could be instrumental in preventing a double tragedy involving the devastating health consequences of the virus itself and the deadly fallout from its multi-sectoral knock-on effects in African countries. Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Ebola Virus Disease, Coronavirus.


Author(s):  
Justus Nsio ◽  
Jimmy Kapetshi ◽  
Sheila Makiala ◽  
Frederic Raymond ◽  
Gaston Tshapenda ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Nesradin Y

Ebola virus disease is a severe, often - fatal, zoonotic viral disease in humans and Nonhuman primates (NHP) like monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees. Ebola is RNA virus that belongs to the family filoviridae, genus Ebola virus. The viruses (EBOV) are enveloped, non - segmented, negative - sense, single - stranded RNA viruses. Ebola virus disease (EVD) was first described in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1976. The exact origin, locations and natural reservoir of Ebola virus remain unclear. People can be exposed to Ebola virus from direct contact with the blood and/or secretions of an in fected person. Hunting and butchering of wildlife (great apes and fruit bats) has been identified in previous outbreaks as a potential source of infection. The onset of Ebola virus disease is sudden and early symptoms includes; fever and headache, followed by vomiting and diarrhea. Patients in the final stage of disease die in the clinical picture of massive bleeding, severe dehydration, hypovolemic shock and multi - organ failure. Ebola virus infections can be diagnosed by detecting antigens with an antigen capture ELISA and by detecting viral RNA with Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT - PCR). No specific treatment has been demonstrated yet to be safe and effective for Ebola virus. Standard treatment currently consists of supportive therapy, i ncluding maintenance of blood volume and electrolyte balance, as well as standard nursing care. Prevention and control is mainly based on appropriate precautions to break ways of transmission. Despite the fact that no detection of the virus had been discov ered in Ethiopia so far, it is in medium risk country because of most people travelling from West Africa to South Africa travels via these countries. But, there is lack of updated information on Ebola virus and its zoonotic importance. All the necessary pr ecautions should be made to prevent the virus from entering the country and thus Ethiopian Airlines has been informing passengers on ways to reduce risking exposure and preventing the spread of the disease for those traveling to and from affected countries.


2014 ◽  
Vol 371 (22) ◽  
pp. 2083-2091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaël D. Maganga ◽  
Jimmy Kapetshi ◽  
Nicolas Berthet ◽  
Benoît Kebela Ilunga ◽  
Felix Kabange ◽  
...  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document