Cohn, S. and Kutalek, R. (2016) Historical parallels, Ebola virus disease and cholera: understanding community distrust and social violence with epidemics. PLoS Currents Outbreaks, 2016(Ed. 1), (doi: 10.1371/currents.outbreaks.aa1f2b60e8d43939b43fbd93e1a63a94) (PMID:26865987) (PMCID:PMC4739438)
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Abstract
In the three West African countries most affected by the recent Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, resistance to public health measures contributed to the startling speed and persistence of this epidemic in the region. But how do we explain this resistance, and how have people in these communities understood their actions? By comparing these recent events to historical precedents during Cholera outbreaks in Europe in the 19th century we show that these events have not been new to history or unique to Africa. Community resistance must be analysed in context and go beyond simple single-variable determinants. Knowledge and respect of the cultures and beliefs of the afflicted is essential for dealing with threatening disease outbreaks and their potential social violence.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Cohn, Professor Samuel |
Authors: | Cohn, S., and Kutalek, R. |
College/School: | College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > History |
Journal Name: | PLoS Currents Outbreaks |
Publisher: | Public Library of Science |
ISSN: | 2157-3999 |
ISSN (Online): | 2157-3999 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2016 The Authors |
First Published: | First published in PLoS Currents Outbreaks 2016 (ed. 1) |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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