The current outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) is in West Africa. There have not been any cases of Ebola in the Caribbean, and the overall risk assessment for the Caribbean region remains low. Continued monitoring of the situation will be conducted by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). The level of risk may change as new information becomes available.
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is one of numerous viral hemorrhagic fevers. It is a severe, often fatal disease in humans and nonhuman primates (such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). Ebola is caused by infection with a virus of the family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus. When infection occurs, symptoms usually begin abruptly. The first Ebolavirus species was discovered in 1976 in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo near the Ebola River. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically.
Event Summary
An outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa was first reported in March 2014. The outbreak continues and is the largest and most complex outbreak of EVD ever reported since the Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976. Up to date case counts and further information on the ongoing outbreaks in Africa can be found on the World Health Organization website.