Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 3(1), pp. 28 - 40
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2015.030105
Reprint (PDF) (327Kb)

Assessment of the Potential for Spread of Deadly Ebola Virus across International Borders by Returnee Travelers and Humanitarian Health Workers from West Africa

Vincent Icheku ^*
London South Bank University, School of Health and Social Care, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 OAA

ABSTRACT

The recent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa is so far the largest and deadliest in recorded history. The rapid spread of the disease in the region and its potential for international spread prompted the World Health Organization to declare the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. [1] This paper assesses the potential for the spread of the disease across international borders by returnee travelers and humanitarian health workers, given that the disease spreads through physical contact. The surveillance data published by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were reviewed to identify the EVD epidemiological situation in West Africa from March 2014 to September 2014. The risk assessment data published by Public Health England (PHE) and CDC travel updates were reviewed to identify travel group(s) most at risk of transmitting EVD across international borders. Studies focusing on West African cultural practices were also reviewed to identify aspects that carry risk of EVD transmission. The study found that the risk of travelers transmitting EVD across international borders is low and would remain so on two conditions. First, all travelers must avoid direct physical contact with a sick or dead person or animal infected with EVD. Second, international humanitarian health workers in affected areas of West Africa who will eventually return to their home countries must work in safe environments with adequate protective equipment. The risk of travelers acquiring EVD is considered very low, yet there is serious concern that the disease may spread further within West Africa and across international borders. Local burial practices exacerbate the disease spread while poor working environments and inadequate supply of equipment increase risk of exposure to EVD of humanitarian workers. This researcher recommends addressing the issues through local awareness, pre-travel advice and capacity investment in the healthcare infrastructure in the EVD affected areas.

KEYWORDS
Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, Burial Practices, Humanitarian Health Workers, VFR Travelers, Viral Haemorrhagic Fever, Zoonotic

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Vincent Icheku , "Assessment of the Potential for Spread of Deadly Ebola Virus across International Borders by Returnee Travelers and Humanitarian Health Workers from West Africa," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 28 - 40, 2015. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2015.030105.

(b). APA Format:
Vincent Icheku (2015). Assessment of the Potential for Spread of Deadly Ebola Virus across International Borders by Returnee Travelers and Humanitarian Health Workers from West Africa. Universal Journal of Public Health, 3(1), 28 - 40. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2015.030105.