Article

Ebola outbreak is in the news after a fast-growing outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The uploaded newspaper highlights that the outbreak has resulted in a large number of confirmed cases and deaths, with health authorities expressing concern over rapid community transmission and unidentified transmission chains.

Why in News

According to the uploaded newspaper, the eastern DRC is experiencing a fast-growing Ebola outbreak centred in Ituri Province. The report notes approximately 3,802 confirmed cases and 1,707 deaths, while nearly 90% of recent infections are reported to have originated from unidentified contacts, making containment increasingly difficult.

Quick Facts

Fact	Details
Disease	Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
Affected Area	Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ituri Province)
Monitoring	Uganda has declared itself Ebola-free while continuing surveillance
UPSC Themes	Public health, infectious diseases, global health governance and disaster preparedness

What is Ebola?

The uploaded newspaper defines Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by Ebola viruses. It belongs to the Filoviridae family and is among the world’s most dangerous infectious diseases. The disease damages blood vessels, the liver and immune system, leading to internal bleeding, organ failure and, in severe cases, death.

Natural Reservoir and Animal Hosts

According to the uploaded newspaper, fruit bats are the natural reservoir of the Ebola virus. The virus may spread to animals such as gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys and forest antelope before infecting humans through contact with infected animals.

Human-to-Human Transmission

The infographic explains that Ebola does not spread through air. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected:

• Blood
• Saliva
• Sweat
• Vomit
• Urine
• Breast milk
• Semen
• Bodies during funeral practices

Traditional burial ceremonies can become major transmission events.

Incubation Period and Symptoms

The uploaded newspaper states that the incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days. Early symptoms include fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain and sore throat. Later symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, organ failure, shock and severe internal bleeding.

Mortality Rate

According to the infographic, Ebola outbreaks have reported mortality rates ranging from 25% to 90%, with many outbreaks recording an average fatality rate of around 50%.

Types of Ebola Virus

The uploaded newspaper lists several Ebola virus species:

• Zaire: Highest mortality; licensed vaccines available.
• Sudan: Causes outbreaks; vaccine candidates under development.
• Bundibugyo: Causes outbreaks; the infographic states that no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment is available.
• Taï Forest.
• Reston.
• Bombali.

Bundibugyo Virus

The uploaded newspaper notes that the present outbreak involves the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, first identified in Uganda in 2007. It further states that, unlike the Zaire strain, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for this strain.

Why is the Outbreak Growing Rapidly?

• Community Transmission
• Armed Conflict
• Illegal Mining Activities
• Population Displacement
• Community Mistrust

The uploaded newspaper explains that these factors make surveillance and containment significantly more difficult.

Contact Tracing and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

The infographic highlights that contact tracing involves identifying people who had contact with infected individuals and monitoring them for symptoms. It also explains that Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) refers to preventive treatment after exposure. The uploaded newspaper notes that PEP is generally associated with diseases such as rabies, HIV and hepatitis rather than Ebola.

Uganda’s Response

According to the uploaded newspaper, Uganda declared itself Ebola-free after implementing strong surveillance, border screening, rapid isolation and laboratory testing while maintaining continued monitoring.

Key International Institutions

• World Health Organization (WHO): Provides technical assistance, surveillance support and public health guidance.
• Africa CDC: Supports surveillance, laboratory strengthening, emergency response and public health preparedness across Africa.

UPSC Relevance

This topic is important for GS Paper III, covering public health, disaster management, biotechnology, infectious diseases, global health governance and international cooperation.

Prelims Practice Questions

1. Q1. Ebola Virus Disease belongs to which virus family according to the uploaded newspaper? (a) Coronaviridae (b) Filoviridae (c) Flaviviridae (d) Retroviridae. Answer: (b).
2. Q2. The natural reservoir of Ebola mentioned in the uploaded newspaper is: (a) Rodents (b) Fruit bats (c) Birds (d) Mosquitoes. Answer: (b).
3. Q3. According to the uploaded newspaper, Ebola primarily spreads through: (a) Airborne transmission (b) Direct contact with infected body fluids (c) Mosquito bites (d) Contaminated food only. Answer: (b).
4. Q4. The incubation period of Ebola is: (a) 1–3 days (b) 2–21 days (c) 30–60 days (d) More than one year. Answer: (b).
5. Q5. Which organisation provides global technical guidance during Ebola outbreaks according to the uploaded newspaper? (a) IMF (b) WHO (c) WTO (d) FAO. Answer: (b).

Mains Practice Questions

1. Q1 (10 Marks): Discuss the challenges in containing Ebola outbreaks in conflict-affected regions.
2. Q2 (15 Marks): Examine the role of international organisations and national public health systems in managing highly infectious disease outbreaks such as Ebola.

FAQs

What is Ebola Virus Disease? According to the uploaded newspaper, it is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by viruses of the Filoviridae family.

How does Ebola spread? It spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids and contaminated materials, not through the air.

Why is the current outbreak difficult to control? The uploaded newspaper attributes the rapid spread to community transmission, armed conflict, illegal mining, population displacement and community mistrust.