Pandemic Parallels: Common Threads between the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Ebola Virus Disease Epidemic of 2014

Abstract

Purpose: This analysis explored the parallels between the 2014-2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic in West Africa and SARS-CoV-2 and its associated disease (Coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] in order to compare and contrast patterns that enable or exacerbate epidemics of novel or non-endemic pathogens. Methods & Materials: Our research team developed a core set of ten questions focused on features common to major disease epidemics, including the natural reservoir of the infectious agent, the initially impacted populations, resulting societal impacts, the political response parameters and dynamics, resulting scientific discoveries, long-term morbidity in patients, and disproportionately impacted populations. We utilized both the primary literature and contemporary accounts such as news coverage and documentary accounts to determine full answers to the core questions. Commonalities between the emergence of Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 were identified. Results: Seven of the ten questions identified positive parallels between the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics. These include the the damaging effects of public mistrust of health officials on disease transmission, negative impact of slow country-level responses, the introduction of lifelong morbidities in patients, disproportionate disease impacts on vulnerable populations, and the positive impact of governmental research funding on the pace of vaccine development and distribution. Conclusion: This analysis identifies multiple common factors that influenced the epidemic dynamics and disease burdens of Ebola Virus Disease and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, despite the differences in transmission dynamics. Policies mindful of these impacts can guide future responses to rapidly growing outbreaks.