WHO response
WHO aims to prevent Ebola outbreaks by maintaining surveillance for Ebola virus disease and supporting at-risk countries to developed preparedness plans. The document provides overall guidance for control of Ebola and Marburg virus outbreaks:
When an outbreak is detected WHO responds by supporting surveillance, community engagement, case management, laboratory services, contact tracing, infection control, logistical support and training and assistance with safe burial practices.
WHO has developed detailed advice on Ebola infection prevention and control:
Table: Chronology of previous Ebola virus disease outbreaks
Year | Country | Ebolavirus species | Cases | Deaths | Case fatality | |
2012 | Democratic Republic of Congo | Bundibugyo | 57 | 29 | 51% | |
2012 | Uganda | Sudan | 7 | 4 | 57% | |
2012 | Uganda | Sudan | 24 | 17 | 71% | |
2011 | Uganda | Sudan | 1 | 1 | 100% | |
2008 | Democratic Republic of Congo | Zaire | 32 | 14 | 44% | |
2007 | Uganda | Bundibugyo | 149 | 37 | 25% | |
2007 | Democratic Republic of Congo | Zaire | 264 | 187 | 71% | |
2005 | Congo | Zaire | 12 | 10 | 83% | |
2004 | Sudan | Sudan | 17 | 7 | 41% | |
2003 (Nov-Dec) | Congo | Zaire | 35 | 29 | 83% | |
2003 (Jan-Apr) | Congo | Zaire | 143 | 128 | 90% | |
2001-2002 | Congo | Zaire | 59 | 44 | 75% | |
2001-2002 | Gabon | Zaire | 65 | 53 | 82% | |
2000 | Uganda | Sudan | 425 | 224 | 53% | |
1996 | South Africa (ex-Gabon) | Zaire | 1 | 1 | 100% | |
1996 (Jul-Dec) | Gabon | Zaire | 60 | 45 | 75% | |
1996 (Jan-Apr) | Gabon | Zaire | 31 | 21 | 68% | |
1995 | Democratic Republic of Congo | Zaire | 315 | 254 | 81% | |
1994 | Cote d'Ivoire | Taï Forest | 1 | 0 | 0% | |
1994 | Gabon | Zaire | 52 | 31 | 60% | |
1979 | Sudan | Sudan | 34 | 22 | 65% | |
1977 | Democratic Republic of Congo | Zaire | 1 | 1 | 100% | |
1976 | Sudan | Sudan | 284 | 151 | 53% | |
1976 | Democratic Republic of Congo | Zaire | 318 | 280 | 88% |