Emerging Infectious Diseases
Volume 21, Number 11—November 2015
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/

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Perspective
Ebola in West Africa—CDC’s Role in Epidemic Detection, Control, and Prevention
T. R. Frieden and I. K. Damon
Abstract
Since Ebola virus disease was identified in West Africa on March 23, 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has undertaken the most intensive response in the agency’s history; >3,000 staff have been involved, including >1,200 deployed to West Africa for >50,000 person workdays. Efforts have included supporting incident management systems in affected countries; mobilizing partners; and strengthening laboratory, epidemiology, contact investigation, health care infection control, communication, and border screening in West Africa, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, and the United States. All efforts were undertaken as part of national and global response activities with many partner organizations. CDC was able to support community, national, and international health and public health staff to prevent an even worse event. The Ebola virus disease epidemic highlights the need to strengthen national and international systems to detect, respond to, and prevent the spread of future health threats.

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Contact Tracing Activities during the Ebola Virus Disease Epidemic in Kindia and Faranah, Guinea, 2014
M. G. Dixon et al.
Summary
Thorough case identification and contact tracing are necessary to end this epidemic.