Abstract

Ebola virus is associated with adverse indirect effects since resources are diverted from programs aimed at controlling important diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV infection. We hypothesize that a significant burden of Ebola viral disease if undetected may lead to missed opportunities for prevention and heighten the risk for large-scale outbreaks and pandemics. Further, Ebola is associated with high fatality rate and significant socioeconomic impact. Therefore, the need for a rapid diagnostic technique to be used at the point of care, universal Polyvalent-Ebola virus vaccine, and effective anti-Ebola drug cannot be overemphasized. Thus, this review focuses on the availability, suitability, and significance of current advances in diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutic options for the Ebola disease and the need to develop novel vaccines and antiviral therapies that are effective against all known Ebola virus species. The disease is considered among the top five most dangerous diseases, as captured in the list of prioritized diseases. The significance of Ebola hemorrhagic fever lies on its morbidity, the splanchnic manner in which it kills the high mortality rate and absence of efficacious drugs. As such, Ebola virus disease has become a global public health burden that has led to major epidemics in resource-poor settings and posing an imminent threat of global pandemics. Thus, the Ebola virus is identified as a bio-safety level-4 pathogen and CDC category A-agents of bioterrorism.