The Ebola virus causes epidemics that wreak havoc in some tropical forest areas in Central Africa. Its control is therefore a major public health priority. The virus, transmitted to humans mainly by carcasses of gorillas, chimpanzees and duikers (Bovidae), provokes haemorrhagic fever which is usually fatal. IRD researchers and co-workers from partner organizations (1) have just shown that these animals can also be victims of Ebola epidemics. Such outbreaks appear to result from multiple simultaneous transmission events starting from an as-yet unidentified animal reservoir, triggering a drastic decline in great ape populations which has been observed in these areas of Africa. These findings, published in the journal Science, indicate clearly that the animal Ebola epidemics often precede the human ones. The occurrence of infected animal carcasses found in an area would therefore be an indicator of a forthcoming outbreak about to hit nearby villages. Such finds could therefore aid in attempts at more effective prevention of Ebola virus transmission to humans.

The Ebola virus, identified for the first time in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (ex-Zaire), has unleashed several lethal epidemics in Central Africa. For several years, many outbreaks have been occurring simultaneously in the Republic of Congo and Gabon, making the control of Ebola virus infection a major public health priority for these countries. In humans infection triggers haemorrhagic fever. In 80% of cases it leads to death in a few days. High mortality generated by this particularly virulent virus, transmitted by direct contact, engenders serious social and economic consequences for the countries affected. There is no therapy or vaccine available and preventive measures and rapid abatement of epidemics by isolating patients are the only weapons that can hinder spread of the disease.

The IRD researchers and their co-workers from other organizations (1), who have been studying the
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Contact: Bndicte Robert
presse@paris.ird.fr
33-14-803-7519
Institut de Recherche Pour le Dveloppement
15-Jan-2004

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