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Title
Social Pathways for Ebola Virus Disease in Rural Sierra Leone, and Some Implications for Containment |
Full text
http://edepot.wur.nl/346207 |
Date
2015 |
Author(s)
Richards, P.; Amara, J.; Ferme, M.C.; Kamara, P.; Mokuwa, E.; Sheriff, A.I.; Suluku, R.; Voors, M.J. |
Abstract
The current outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Upper West Africa is the largest ever recorded. Molecular evidence suggests spread has been almost exclusively through humanto- human contact. Social factors are thus clearly important to understand the epidemic and ways in which it might be stopped, but these factors have so far been little analyzed. The present paper focuses on Sierra Leone, and provides cross sectional data on the least understood part of the epidemic'the largely undocumented spread of Ebola in rural areas. Various forms of social networking in rural communities and their relevance for understanding pathways of transmission are described. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between marriage, funerals and land tenure. Funerals are known to be a high-risk factor for infection. It is suggested that more than a shift in awareness of risks will be needed to change local patterns of behavior, especially in regard to funerals, since these are central to the consolidation of community ties. A concluding discussion relates the information presented to plans for halting the disease. Local consultation and access are seen as major challenges to be addressed. |
Subject(s)
Leerstoelgroep Ontwikkelingseconomie; Development Economics Group; Knowledge Technology and Innovation; Knowledge Technology and Innovation; Extern overig; Extern other |
Language
en |
Type of publication
Article/Letter to editor |
Format
application/pdf |
Source
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 9 (2015) 4; ISSN: 1935-2735 |
Rights
Wageningen UR |
Repository
Wageningen - University of Wageningen
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Added to C-A: 2015-06-16;08:43:32 |
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