Ebola as a Challenge to Global Public Health: Epidemiological Aspects and Health Implications

Abstract

The Ebola virus constitutes a significant threat to public health due to its high lethality, potential for dissemination in specific contexts, and substantial impact on fragile health systems. First identified in 1976 on the African continent, Ebola remains a global health challenge, particularly in regions marked by social, economic, and institutional vulnerabilities. This study aims to analyze the relevance of the Ebola virus to public health, based on a narrative review of the literature, emphasizing its epidemiological and clinical aspects. This is a narrative review with a qualitative approach, grounded in the critical and contextual analysis of scientific publications and relevant institutional documents. The literature indicates that although Ebola outbreaks are predominantly localized, their clinical severity, combined with structural limitations of health systems and global inequalities, underscores the need for integrated strategies in surveillance, health service preparedness, and international cooperation. It is concluded that Ebola represents not only a biological risk but also a marker of the fragilities of global health governance, requiring continuous investment in public policies, scientific research, and the strengthening of health systems