Ebola 2014 - unprecedented epidemic / Ebola 2014 – epidemija bez presedana

Abstract

Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. Starting from February 2014, the Ebola virus outbreak had spread across West African countries within a few months and caused great concerns of the World Health Organization. Currently there are no effective vaccines and drugs that are available for the prevention and treatment of infection with Ebola virus. Medical personnel caring for patients with suspect or confirmed Ebola viral disease is particularly exposed to the risk of suffering from this dangerous disease. It is important for frontline medical providers to understand key aspects of Ebola virus disease to quickly recognize an imported case, provide appropriate medical care, and prevent transmission. This paper gives a brief overview of the epidemics and pandemics, the biological characteristics of Ebola virus, the potential antiviral drugs and vaccines, as well as preventive measures.
* 31 . July 2015, is said to have discovered an effective vaccine against Ebola virus http://www.thelancet.com/pb/assets/raw/Lancet/pdfs/S0140673615611175.pdf (note editor).