Ebola hemorrhagic fever outbreak in West Africa as extraordinary event in public health

Abstract

The article concerns the issues of clinical course, diagnosis and treatment of Ebola hemorrhagic fever. A brief historical analysis of previous outbreaks of the disease in Africa and detailed chronology of the current outbreak are described in the article. In consideration of poorly controlled spread of the disease, special attention is given to the early diagnosis of Ebola hemorrhagic fever. The CDC recommends the standard defi nition of the suspected, possible and confi rmed cases. Special attention in the article is given to the WHO coordination of the various countries’ activity concerning prevention the international spread of the virus. Basic methods of treatment and prevention of the disease are estimated in the article, focusing on administration of poorly known medicines and vaccines, as well as the ethical aspect of management of patients.