1. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHF)

1.1 Introduction

The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic in West Africa was officially confirmed in March 2014.

The first case probably dates back to December 2013. Since then, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra-Leone have experienced an unprecedented outbreak of the disease which has affected other countries in West Africa (Senegal, Nigeria), the USA and Spain.

The disease was described for the first time in 1976 in the former Zaïre. Until the 2014 outbreak, Ebola had caused only limited local outbreaks and the disease’s epicenters were localized, for the most part, in Central Africa.

The human, social and economic fallout for the 3 most seriously affected countries cannot be precisely estimated yet, but is expected to be severe. In order to limit a potential spread of EVD to the, so far, unaffected regions of West Africa , it is necessary to detect suspected cases quickly, to isolate them and determine all the patients’ contacts.

As laboratory personnel, you are playing a key role in detecting the suspected cases and in the fight against the disease. Therefore, it is paramount to know the biosafety rules and the protocols to collect and transport samples from suspected Ebola cases thoroughly, as well as how to alert the health authorities.