Unmasking the deadly Ebola virus

Understanding transmission, symptoms and

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global impact of Ebola

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is one of the most severe viral hemorrhagic fevers known to humankind. It is characterised by high mortality rates, periodic outbreaks in Africa and immense challenges in public health governance. For civil services aspirants, EVD provides a case study in health security, disaster management and international cooperation.

Origin and discovery

• First discovered in 1976 near the Ebola river in the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire)
• Belongs to the Filoviridae family of viruses
• Strain Zaire ebolavirus is the deadliest, with fatality rates up to 90% in some outbreaks

Transmission

• Animal-to-human: Spillover from wild animals (fruit bats are considered natural hosts)
• Human-to-human: Direct contact with blood, vomit, semen, sweat or contaminated surfaces such as bedding and clothing
• High-risk groups: Health workers, caregivers and family members in close contact with infected patients

Symptoms

• Incubation: 2–21 days
• Early: Sudden fever, weakness, muscle pain, sore throat
• Progressive: Vomiting, diarrhea, rash, kidney/liver dysfunction
• Severe: Internal and external bleeding, multiple organ failure

Impact and global health significance

• Declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) during major outbreaks
• Causes social disruption, fear and economic slowdown in affected regions
• Shows the vulnerability of fragile healthcare systems in low-income countries

Case Study: Democratic Republic of Congo (2025 outbreak)

• Location: Mweka territory, Southern Kasai province
• First case: 34-year-old pregnant woman admitted with hemorrhagic fever; died within hours
• Extent: 28 suspected cases, 15 deaths (fatality rate: Rs 53.6%)

Response challenges

• Shortage of health workers & protective gear
• Population displacement → difficulty in tracing patients
• Fragile healthcare system worsened by conflict and aid cuts

Historical context

• 2022: Outbreak in Equateur province (6 deaths)
• 2018–2020: Major outbreak in Eastern Congo killed 1,000+ people
• 2014–2016 West Africa: Largest-ever epidemic killed over 11,000 people in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia

Containment measures

1. Immediate actions

• Isolation of cases, contact tracing and community awareness campaigns
• Preventive steps: social distancing, handwashing, safe burial practices

2. Institutional response

• WHO: Deployed experts, mobile labs, PPE kits, vaccines (Ervebo)
• National response: Mobile testing units, confinement measures (closure of markets, schools)

3. Long-term strategies

• Strengthening healthcare infrastructure
• Stockpiling vaccines & treatments
• International cooperation for financial and technical aid

Challenges in Ebola management

• Community mistrust: Rumours and resistance to medical interventions
• Security issues: Conflict zones hinder medical access (as in Eastern Congo)
• Economic burden: Shutdown of markets, schools and trade affects livelihoods
• Global risk: Fear of international spread due to migration and air travel

Relevance for Civil Services Examination

Themes connected to GS Paper 3

• Science & Technology: Virology, epidemiology, vaccine development (Ervebo)
• Disaster Management: Handling biological disasters, international cooperation
• Security & Governance: Impact of conflict and mistrust in epidemic zones
• Ethics & Social Issues: Stigma, community engagement, equitable healthcare

Probable descriptive questions (GS Paper 3)

1. Science & technology dimension

What is Ebola Virus Disease? Explain its transmission cycle and symptoms. How does it differ from other viral outbreaks such as COVID-19?

2. Case study application

Discuss the challenges faced by the Democratic Republic of Congo in tackling repeated Ebola outbreaks. What lessons can India learn for strengthening its epidemic preparedness?

3. Governance & disaster management

“Epidemics are as much a governance failure as a health crisis.” Critically analyse with reference to Ebola outbreaks in Africa.

4. International cooperation

Evaluate the role of WHO and international aid in controlling Ebola outbreaks. How does it reflect the importance of global health diplomacy?

5. Preventive measures

Suggest a multi-pronged strategy to prevent and manage viral haemorrhagic fevers in resource-constrained countries.