The deadliest Ebola outbreak in history has, to date, affected more than 10,000 people and the numbers continue to rise. In March 2014, the Ebola virus was identified as a fierce public health threat in three West African countries: Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. By September, Ebola emerged in Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda. While there are major efforts by the international health community to prevent and control the deadly disease, it is spreading rapidly across Africa and poses a significant threat to nearly all of the developing and industrialized world. Thomas Eric Duncan, a Liberian who traveled to Texas to visit his family, was confirmed as the first case (and fatality) in the United States. Since his tragic death, The Dallas Health Presbyterian Hospital has identified 114 persons who were also exposed to Mr. Duncan during his treatment. Scientists believe that the United Kingdom may be the next country to report infected persons followed by France. The World Health Organization has estimated that ultimately Ebola will affect 1.4 million lives. But the impact of the disease is not just measured in human lives. The Ebola outbreak has grim economic consequences which will be felt beyond the affected countries in West Africa. The World Bank has estimated that the costs associated with the containment of the disease and economic impact in tourism, agriculture, global development could be as high as 3.5 billion dollars by the end of 2015.
We are called to action to develop a powerful defense strategy against this modern plague. Our panel will discuss the medical, social, and economic impact of Ebola, the facts about transmission, and best containment practices.