A Comparative Analysis of Ebola Outbreaks: DRC and 2014-2016 Response

This essay examines the Ebola virus outbreaks, focusing on the 2014-2016 outbreak and the subsequent outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The essay analyzes the initial responses, the spread of the virus, and the involvement of organizations like the WHO and CDC. It highlights the challenges faced by healthcare communities and the government's response to the outbreaks, including measures taken to control the spread, provide treatment, and develop vaccines. The essay compares the DRC outbreak with the earlier outbreak, evaluating whether lessons were learned and applied more effectively. The essay references several studies and reports to support the analysis of the outbreaks and the measures taken to contain the virus and support the affected individuals and communities. The essay also discusses the impact of the outbreaks on the affected populations, including the impact on healthcare workers, the economy and the need for international cooperation to control the spread of the virus.

Discussion
Ebola virus outbreak during the time period between 2014 to 2016 was considered as major
outbreak since the discovery of virus happened in the year 1976.The initial outbreak was
reported in DRC region as reported by health ministry i.e. 2014 in Equateur and again during
2017 similar outbreak of virus is found in Bas Uele region and from these regions the virus
started spreading to other provinces. This outbreak of Ebola virus is considered as second
largest since 1976,discovery of virus. Ebola is primarily observed in African continent across
different places with frequent outbreaks. Mostly the virus affected human beings and also in
non-primates such as chimpanzees and monkeys etc. Government of DRC responded to
Ebola outbreak and also declared clearance on 8th May,2018 and it was supported by centre
for disease control and prevention and other local organizations in Africa. In addition to this
World health organization provided resources for supporting the local government initiatives
that includes materials associated with lab, logistics and needs for transportation services
(Lévy et.al,2018). The major impact of this virus is observed in West Africa which affected
close to 30,000 people and nearly 12,000 deaths were reported. The virus further spread to
other countries across the world which include UK, USA, European countries like Italy,
Spain etc (Dhama et.al,2018).
The government recommended to use proper measures for control of infection and people
infected or in close contact with Ebola virus are prone to higher risk of getting virus and also
indicated that there is a little for travellers or workers and are advised not to come in contact
closely with affected people. Heath care professional and workers were advised not to get in
touch with people in affected areas and due to this daily labourers were landed in big trouble
and which lead to poverty issues (Babalola,2016). Government took measures to support
workers as soon as they arrive from closely affected areas through usage of medicines,
disinfectant material. There was no proper antiviral drug available during that time but
government was able to provide electrolytes and fluids to the affected individuals through
intravenous route. In addition to this oxygen therapy is provided and other medications that
supports to contain blood pressure, diarrhoea, vomiting and relief from pain and fever (Khan
et.al,2016).
The virus spread to neighbouring countries such as Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia and
slowly it also developed in other developed countries like US,UK and European nations such
as Spain and Italy (Covés-Datson et.al,2019). Though the virus spread to highly populated
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countries several steps taken by related governments was able to recover the patient condition
from virus and its outbreak. Both WHO and CDC followed the progress of disease initially
that occurred at West Africa and supported the concerned government throughout it process
until vaccine was developed during the year 2018.The present status of spreading of Ebola
virus is limited to close to 3500 cases and effective measures were implemented that
including design of specific vaccine was proven to be successful (Rauch et.al,2018). The
government of DRC took effective measures to contain the spread of virus and achieved
fatality rate up to 66% by the end of 3rd March 2020.
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