Curbing Ebola infections among healthcare workers in West Africa: unconventional strategies needed

Abstract

One of the tragedies of the current ongoing West African Ebola virus outbreak is the large number of healthcare workers (HCWs) who have been infected with the disease. As of October 31, 2014, there were 523 cases of infection among HCWs, and 269 have died. It is well known that infected HCWs may also initiate or propagate nosocomial outbreaks such that disease transmission is amplified. The sad fact is that the unfortunate HCW infections and deaths are largely preventable. However, this tragic misfortune presents an opportunity.

Keywords

• ebola infection
• healthcare workers
• immunity