The 1995 Kikwit Ebola outbreak—Model of virus properties on system capacity and function: A lesson for future viral epidemics

Authors

  • Ryan C.W. Hall, MD
  • Richard C.W. Hall, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajdm.2007.0035

Keywords:

Ebola, Hemorrhagic virus, Surge capacity

Abstract

The 1995 Kikwit Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the first Ebola outbreaks to be treated in a hospital setting and is one of the most well-studied Ebola epidemics to have occurred to date. Many of the lessons learned from identifying, containing, and treating the epidemic are applicable to future viral outbreaks. This article looks at the characteristics of the Ebola virus and health system issues, which affected the healthcare providers’ ability to contain and treat the virus. It specifically examines factors such as the disease characteristics, surge capacity, supply issues, press involvement, and the involvement of voluntary organizations.

Author Biographies

Ryan C.W. Hall, MD

Forensic Fellow at Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio; and Rappeport Fellow from the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, Bloomfield, Connecticut.

Richard C.W. Hall, MD

Courtesy Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Lake Mary, Florida.

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Published

09/01/2007

How to Cite

Hall, MD, R. C., and R. C. Hall, MD. “The 1995 Kikwit Ebola outbreak—Model of Virus Properties on System Capacity and Function: A Lesson for Future Viral Epidemics”. American Journal of Disaster Medicine, vol. 2, no. 5, Sept. 2007, pp. 270-6, doi:10.5055/ajdm.2007.0035.

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 5 (2007): September/October

Section

Articles

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