In their Research Article -- Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1976-2014-- Alicia Rosello et al. provide a retrospective study of Ebola epidemics in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study suggests that each day of delay in hospital admittance was associated with an 11% increased risk of death for Ebola patients during epidemics.
The DRC has experienced more Ebola outbreaks than any other country since the virus was discovered in 1976. A new study from University College London combines epidemiological information and patient outcomes from all those outbreaks to provide insights into the mortality patterns of Ebola virus disease. It also describes the national and international interventions carried out during each outbreak. The findings are published in the journal eLife.
The data suggest that the time between the onset of symptoms and admittance to hospital had a significant impact on the outcomes for the patients. Such delays could be influenced by many factors including geography, infrastructure and cultural influences. The analysis could help target age groups for interventions such as vaccination if, for example, there is a shortage of supplies. In addition, it shows the importance of rapid hospitalisation to the survival of future patients.
Examples of media coverage featuring the study can be found below:
- Each 1-Day Delay in Hospitalization Ups Risk of Ebola Death (U.S. News & World Report)
- Early hospitalisation key to survival for Ebola victims in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
- CDC scales back Ebola travel advisories for Sierra Leone, Liberia (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota)
