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. 2014 Dec 19;63(50):1202-4.

Challenges in responding to the ebola epidemic - four rural counties, Liberia, August-November 2014

Aimee Summers, Tolbert G Nyenswah, Joel M Montgomery, John Neatherlin, Jordan W Tappero, Nyenswah T, Fahnbulleh M, Massaquoi M; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Challenges in responding to the ebola epidemic - four rural counties, Liberia, August-November 2014

Aimee Summers et al. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. .

Abstract

The first cases of Ebola virus disease (Ebola) in West Africa were identified in Guinea on March 22, 2014. On March 30, the first Liberian case was identified in Foya Town, Lofa County, near the Guinean border. Because the majority of early cases occurred in Lofa and Montserrado counties, resources were concentrated in these counties during the first several months of the response, and these counties have seen signs of successful disease control. By October 2014, the epidemic had reached all 15 counties of Liberia. During August 27-September 10, 2014, CDC in collaboration with the Liberian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare assessed county Ebola response plans in four rural counties (Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Sinoe, to identify county-specific challenges in executing their Ebola response plans, and to provide recommendations and training to enhance control efforts. Assessments were conducted through interviews with county health teams and health care providers and visits to health care facilities. At the time of assessment, county health teams reported lacking adequate training in core Ebola response strategies and reported facing many challenges because of poor transportation and communication networks. Development of communication and transportation network strategies for communities with limited access to roads and limited means of communication in addition to adequate training in Ebola response strategies is critical for successful management of Ebola in remote areas.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Location of the four rural counties assessed for challenges associated with Ebola epidemic response plans — Liberia, August–November 2014
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Mostly empty shelves in a clinic lacking essential drugs in Gblorseo Town — Rivercess County, Liberia, September 2014
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
A nearly impassable bridge on the road connecting Sinoe County with Monrovia, the closest location with Ebola treatment units — Liberia, September 2014
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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