Ebola viral disease: What should be done to combat the epidemic in 2014?

Ebola virus disease (EVD) was defined first in 1976. Since then, more than 24 epidemics have been reported from Africa, predominantly with the Zaire species. On 21 March 2014, the current West Africa outbreak was reported by the World Health Organization, the largest one ever recorded. The Congo epidemic was reported in July 2014. It was considered that the two epidemics had unrelated origins with 96.8% identical genomic sequence of the virus. EVD outbreaks occurred in areas with limited resources but it has a potentially global effect due to the possibility of imported infection and the potential misuse of the virus as a bioweapon agent. Although EVD is a zoonotic disease with the reservoir of fruit bats, human-to-human transmission is essential in the spread of the infection. The case-fatality rate of EVD was reported as 70.8%. There is no approved prophylaxis, effective treatment, or licensed vaccine. Early diagnosis and isolation of the patients, contact tracing, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to the guidance for safe funeral practices constitute the essential requirements to control the epidemics. This article provides a review of the literature regarding the characteristics and management of EVD outbreak.