Ebola Virus Disease Preparations Do Not Protect the United States Against Other Infectious Outbreaks

Abstract

The 2014–2016 West African Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic took the world by surprise. While 11 patients were treated in the United States, it challenged public health, health care, and emergency response infrastructures. The outbreak highlighted the need for robust systems of screening and care for patients with highly hazardous communicable diseases (HHCDs), especially because the outbreak showed how modern travel hastens international disease spread. The May 2018 EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo reinforces this need and demonstrates the uphill battle against emerging and reemerging diseases.