Briefly describe the global health issue and its impact on the larger health care system (i.e., continents, regions, countries, states, and health departments).

Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus species. Ebola can cause disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees).

It was first discovered in 1976 in an area now known as the Congo. The natural reservoir host of Ebola virus remains unknown, however, researcher highly suspect bats as the main reservoir. 4 of 5 of viral strains occur in animal hosts native to Africa. This virus is passed on quickly by bodily fluids transmitted from one person to another, whether it is semen, blood, saliva, vomit, breast milk etc.

We saw the last outbreak in 2014, and the world was in panic. Many people travel from areas in Africa often and return home within a 24 hour time and may have been exposed, now bringing the virus into another country as is what happened in 2014. It can be difficult to really adequately monitor the millions of travelers daily. Many health care workers had to be trained in what Ebola was, how to detect symptoms, how to care for these people and also keep yourself safe as well as other people surrounding them.

All MD offices, ER and many other medical facilities now ask when a patient comes in if they have traveled out of the country, especially to West Africa when they arrive. Any time there is an outbreak this can create a lot of stress, chaos, and many manhours dealing with containment and treatment and even dealing with death.

How can health care delivery systems work collaboratively to address global health concerns?

Health care systems can work together with organizations like the WHO, World Health Organization, and keep up on Ebola information, outbreaks and update any new findings in research to treat this. Educating all communities and travelers on possibilities of infections when overseas and how to properly protect oneself from contracting this virus or any other for that matter. Having proper vaccines up to date and medications available, or resources in the even of an infection is important. Quick reporting of any symptoms can assist in halting its spread.