This article has been written by Advitya Ahlawat, a 2nd Year Student of School of Law, Christ University, Bangalore.
Abstract – This article provides a thorough summary of Ebola, including information on strains, historical background, and worldwide public health concerns. It looks at the origins and dynamics of ebolavirus transmission and emphasizes African fruit bats as possible reservoir hosts. The study discusses the difficulties in spreading Ebola, symptoms, diagnosis, and the effects on survivors. The importance of international cooperation is emphasized, along with the critical role of Resolution 2177 and the UN Security Council. A section outlines India’s vulnerability to Ebola, including its socioeconomic problems and shortcomings in its healthcare system, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructural upgrades.
Keywords: India, healthcare vulnerabilities, Ebola, ebolaviruses, African fruit bats, global health, United Nations Security Council.
Introduction:
Ebola disease is a group of serious illnesses that affect people and are caused by infection with four different ebolaviruses that belong to the Ebolavirus genus. These epidemics, which are mostly concentrated in Africa, occasionally pose serious problems for public health. The four ebolaviruses, each linked to a distinct viral species, include the Zaire ebolavirus, or Ebola virus, which causes Ebola virus disease, a very lethal illness with a significant worldwide impact. Sudan virus (Sudan ebolavirus) leads to Sudan virus sickness, contributing to the complexity of Ebola-related disorders. Taï Forest viral disease is associated with Taï Forest virus (Taï Forest ebolavirus, formerly Côte d’Ivoire ebolavirus), necessitating a sophisticated understanding for successful response.
The disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, also known as the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, broadens the range of pathogens associated with Ebola. Four distinct ebolaviruses that are members of the Ebolavirus genus can infect humans and produce a spectrum of devastating illnesses known as “Ebola disease.” These outbreaks, which are primarily found in Africa, can occasionally provide significant public health issues. The Zaire ebolavirus, also known as the Ebola virus, is one of the four ebolaviruses, each associated with a different viral species. It is responsible for the extremely deadly Ebola virus disease, which has a major global impact. The Sudan virus causes Sudan viral illness, which adds to the complexity of diseases linked to Ebola.
Taï Forest viral illness is related with Taï Forest virus (Taï Forest ebolavirus, formerly Côte d’Ivoire ebolavirus), demanding a complex understanding for successful response. The list of diseases linked to Ebola is expanded by the Bundibugyo virus-caused illness. Ebolaviruses, initially identified in 1976 during two contemporaneous epidemics of deadly haemorrhagic fever in Central Africa, marking a pivotal milestone in public health. The virus got its name from the initial outbreak, which happened in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (previously Zaire) close to the Ebola River. A second outbreak happened at the same time in what is now South Sudan, some 500 miles distant.
After these epidemics were initially believed to be isolated incidents connected to the travel of an infected person, scientists discovered that two different viruses caused them: the Sudan ebolavirus and the Zaire ebolavirus. This information highlighted the viruses’ separate origins and dissemination. Following the finding, researchers looked into the origins and reservoir hosts of ebolaviruses in great detail. African fruit bats have emerged as prospective reservoir hosts and likely participants in the virus’s propagation, however concrete proof of their involvement in transmission is still needed. The Bombali virus, the newest member of the ebolavirus family, was discovered in bats in Sierra Leone.
Reservoir hosts, who frequently carry the virus without showing any symptoms, are essential to the survival of ebolaviruses in the environment. It is thought that the viruses spread via intermediate hosts or vectors, or by transmission from host to host. Although the majority of afflicted animals, such as monkeys, apes, and duikers (antelopes), do not show symptoms, ebolaviruses can cause serious sickness in nonhuman primates, simulating the effects on people. When an ebolavirus is contracted, it can spread to other people by coming into touch with the bodily fluids of those who are sick.
Evidence from epidemiological and viral data suggests that ebolaviruses existed long before recorded outbreaks. The spread of ebolaviruses to people was most likely caused by a number of factors, including population increase, human encroachment into forested areas, and contact with wildlife, including the eating of animal meat. Understanding the intricate dynamics of ebolavirus transmission and developing effective disease preventive and control techniques depend on an understanding of this historical and ecological context.
Challenges and Implications:
- Spread of Ebola Virus:
Ebola is a haemorrhagic fever caused by many virus species belonging to the Ebolavirus genus. Usually beginning with flu-like symptoms, it can develop into more serious symptoms like vomiting, bleeding, and neurological problems. Contact with bodily fluids from infected humans or animals, such as urine, stool, saliva, human milk, and vaginal secretions, is the main way that the virus spreads. Ebola can also spread through infected surfaces, objects, or medical equipment. Ebolaviruses are carried by bats, antelope, and nonhuman primates (monkeys and apes). Humans are typically infected by coming into touch with these animals’ bodily fluids or tissues.
- Ebola-Related Challenges:
Although Ebola is uncommon, outbreaks frequently occur, mostly in West, Central, and East Africa. These provide challenges. The greatest outbreak, the Zaire ebolavirus outbreak of 2014–2016, affected 10 countries and left 28,646 cases and 11,323 fatalities. Animals that are infected with the virus continue to carry it, and human behaviours such as population expansion, incursions into forests, and encounters with wildlife all aid in the virus’s dissemination. Since the symptoms of Ebola are similar to those of other illnesses, diagnosis can be challenging, thus it’s important to take recent travel and exposure history into account while assessing possible cases.
- Implications of Ebola:
The disease has serious consequences that affect several organ systems due to its severe symptoms. The most prevalent type of the virus that causes outbreaks and mortality is the Zaire ebolavirus, which causes Ebola virus disease (EVD). For survivors, long-term issues could include numbness, joint discomfort, headaches, skin peeling, and vision issues. Ebola can have long-lasting symptoms even when there is a chance of survival; the average survival rate throughout all epidemics is about 56%. The virus can linger in some body areas, including the eyes, central nervous system, and semen, which makes post-recovery contagion management difficult.
- Ebola diagnosis:
A blood test is required for this diagnosis, but it might be difficult because the disease’s symptoms are similar to those of malaria and yellow fever. When thinking about doing an Ebola test, medical professionals examine the patient’s exposure history, symptom evaluation, and recent travel history. Treatments for the Ebola virus, such as InmazebTM and EbangaTM, have been made possible by the creation of monoclonal antibodies. Similar to the body’s own antibodies, these therapies help the body control infections while it strengthens its defences. For individuals who are at high risk, like as laboratory personnel and medical professionals handling Ebola cases, there is a vaccine called Ervebo®.
Role of Security Council and Resolution 2177:
On September 18, 2014, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2177 (2014), which was a crucial step in the response to the Ebola virus outbreak. This resolution emphasized the necessity for a swift and well-coordinated international response and signalled the understanding of the exceptional public health catastrophe posed by the Ebola virus. Resolution 2177 called for increased assistance to the affected West African countries, emphasized the importance of timely and transparent reporting, and urged member states to provide financial and logistical support to enhance the capabilities of the affected nations and international organizations.
On September 19, 2014, the United Nations launched the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) in response to the Security Council’s call to action. The first-ever UN emergency health mission, UNMEER, was created to address the seriousness and complexity of the Ebola outbreak. A series of operational principles guided the mission’s actions, such as taking a regional approach, emphasizing the importance of national ownership, supporting the work of partners and governments, giving national governments clarity, and guaranteeing a cohesive strategy across the UN system. UNMEER’s primary goals were diverse, which reflected the all-encompassing character of the Ebola outbreak.
These goals included controlling the spread of the infection, providing for the needs of the afflicted, maintaining stability in the impacted areas, and averting additional outbreaks. In addition to concentrating on vital tasks including case management, case finding, laboratory and contact tracing, safe and respectable funerals, community participation, and social mobilization, the mission sent financial, logistical, and human resources to Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Even though UNMEER was dissolved on July 31, 2015, Resolution 2177’s influence and the legacy of its work persisted.
The Security Council’s commitment to tackling global health emergencies and the significance of a coordinated, prompt, and unified international response was evidenced by the resolution and the mission that followed. The resolution established UNMEER’s legal framework and gave the mission the authority to gather support and resources in order to address the Ebola epidemic from several angles. worldwide cooperation is vital in minimizing the impact of infectious illnesses on a worldwide scale, as demonstrated by the coordinated efforts conducted by UNMEER in conjunction with national governments and international partners, resulting in a notable decrease in Ebola cases.
Navigating the Ebola Threat: India’s Vulnerabilities:
Given the context of the Ebola virus outbreak, back in 2014 India faced a huge danger because over 45,000 Indian citizens resided in the most afflicted areas of Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. Concerns regarding the possible repatriation of Indian citizens were heightened by the prospect of continued decline in these nations, which presented a real risk to environmental stability and public safety. The likelihood that these people may take an aircraft to return to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai increased the danger of virus transmission. However, India found itself unable to deal with the potential onslaught of the Ebola pandemic because of flaws in its healthcare system that prevented the virus from effectively stopping its rapid spread.
Concerns regarding the readiness of public hospitals and the capacity of its medical staff to deliver adequate care and treatment, particularly during the early stages of infection, remained unresolved. Another area of concern was the effectiveness of the present preventive measures in containing isolated cases, which have the potential to rapidly get out of hand and turn into widespread epidemics. The dense population of megacities in India and the strain on the nation’s medical infrastructure made it more likely that Ebola would develop into a major epidemic.
India’s pre-existing socioeconomic problems, like pervasive poverty and a lack of understanding, made things more difficult and delayed urgent medical assistance for those who needed it. The 2010 World Bank data showed that the nation’s already overburdened healthcare system faced serious constraints, which were exemplified by a stark difference in healthcare staffing ratios when compared to other countries. The fact that India has just one nurse for every 1,000 people, compared to 1.6 in Nigeria and 10 in the US, highlights the country’s plight. Furthermore, the growing population and the burden on healthcare systems posed significant challenges to the efficient administration and implementation of quarantine measures.
The combination of high population density, overburdened healthcare systems, widespread poverty, and little awareness created a significant obstacle for India in terms of efficiently reducing the risks connected with a possible Ebola outbreak. In order to protect public health and strengthen the nation’s ability to manage the intricacies of a fast-spreading epidemic, it was imperative that these weaknesses be addressed.
Conclusion:
To lessen its effects, the Ebola virus continues to pose a serious threat to international health and calls for swift, coordinated response. The virus’s unexpected nature and the absence of a conclusive remedy highlight how urgent it is to combat this threat. To stop the spread of Ebola, countries must strengthen their healthcare systems, raise public awareness, and implement strict preventive measures. In order to produce vaccinations and treatments that are widely available, the worldwide community needs to put a priority on working together and supporting research and development. The need for a coordinated response involving the cooperation of governments, organizations, and healthcare facilities is highlighted by lessons learned from previous epidemics.
A commitment to providing sufficient resources, in conjunction with prompt and honest information sharing, is crucial in managing the intricacies of a possible Ebola outbreak in the future. We need to prioritize prevention and readiness in our worldwide approach. To strengthen the response to new risks, this calls for effective healthcare delivery, strong surveillance systems, and international collaboration. Furthermore, the creation of reasonably priced medications and vaccines, in addition to quick containment techniques, is essential for constructing a strong defense against the catastrophic effects of Ebola.
Against this unrelenting foe, we must present a unified front as we manage the obstacles presented by Ebola. The international community has to continue to be watchful, flexible, and dedicated to ensuring the welfare of all peoples. Through prioritizing research, making investments in healthcare infrastructure, and promoting international cooperation, we can work together to tackle the Ebola epidemic and strengthen our resilience against potential pandemics in the future. We can successfully address and ultimately defeat the ongoing threat of Ebola only by working together and sharing a commitment to global health security.
- This Article was originally published on Centers for Disease control and Prevention website https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/about.html#:~:text=Viral%20and%20epidemiologic%20data%20suggest,spread%20of%20ebolaviruses%20to%20people.
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