He Hongxuan

Persistence and transmission of the Ebola virus in wildlife

Infection with the Ebola virus can cause severe acute hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates. The virus is highly virulent and there are no effective drug treatments or vaccines available to date. The largest recorded outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) is currently ongoing; it has affected West Africa, which is outside of its previously reported and predicted niche. It was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. Here, we reviewed studies on EVD and its associated etiology, ecology, and epidemiology, spanning approximately 40 years. Multi-disciplinary theoretical knowledge was integrated to explain the reasoning behind Ebola virus persistence, circulation, and spread, including knowledge relating to natural reservoir hosts and a detailed description of the role of bats and other wildlife in the spread of the Ebola virus. To prevent the spread of major pathogens from wild animals to humans, it is crucial to put forward the most effective measures of maintaining the security of social public health. It is essential to strengthen wildlife disease surveillance, establish a long-term, comprehensive surveillance system for early warning and prevention methods, and provide a scientific basis for better safeguarding of public health and safety.