An Ebola Outbreak Lessons from the 2014-2015 Epidemic

This book recounts the Ebola Virus Outbreak of 2014-2015 by merging clinical and diagnostic issues with behavioral and political factors. Lessons learned are intended to help future respondents by improving coordination and collaboration. The book begins with a report of an earlier prediction of an impending outbreak based on serological evidence from a decade earlier. This warning was ignored. As a result, early cases of Ebola and efforts to control the epidemic were hindered by old approaches, and human behavior, facilitating the spread of the virus, worsening the outbreak. This is a case study of failures and successes highlighted by the struggle to halt this devastating epidemic.

Key selling features:

• Provides a concise overview of an outbreak that captured special public attention
• Focuses upon both clinical and diagnostic aspects of the epidemic
• Documents important lessons learned from this outbreak that can provide guidance for inevitable future epidemics
• Illustrates the important role played by preparation for outbreaks
• Explores the role of human behavior on disease spread

Prelude to an outbreak - Early detection and warnings; prevention attempts ignored. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers: Lassa and Undiagnosed Fever in Western Africa. Regional health, economic and social challenges. Health Care Systems in West Africa. Political reality before the outbreak. Early Outbreak Indications and Challenges. Opportunity to control outbreak early lost. Clinical approaches early- Focus on Patient isolation and case contact monitoring. Diagnosis Dilemmas - defining a case and the limits of a test. Outbreak out of control – Clinical Sites Overwhelmed. Fighting a Forrest Fire with a Water Gun. Uncoordinated Foreign Assistance Arrives. International Resources Arrive. Ebola Isolation Units begin to transition to Ebola Treatment Units. Emergency Clinical Trials. Contrast of the clinical experience in Africa versus Europe and US. The Balance Between Protecting Patients’ Rights and Saving Lives. Clinical Trials Conducted. Science in the laboratory during an outbreak. Outbreak Declared Over but Survivors Continue to Suffer and Capacity Issue Remain. Billions of dollar bolus: Does more money help stop/prevent an outbreak? Value of Coordination – National and Global Coordination Efforts. Sequela of an Outbreak. Lessons Learned and will We Learn? Impact of Ebola on the Region and on the Nation. Leap Frog Technology- how can it help sustain capacity. Sustainable Public Health and Health Care Systems to Prevent Outbreaks. References and links.