Ebola map may help prepare for future outbreaks

A team from the Center of International Forestry Research, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the Universidad de Málaga have applied analytical techniques that indicate where the Ebola virus is likely to be found in more favorable conditions. These models take into account a number of non-human mammalian species as well as environmental variables for predicting the presence of the virus.

By assuming that more mammalian species than simply fruit bats may be involved in its presence and spread, the map suggests that the Ebola virus may be even more widespread than formerly suspected. The map indicates that more favorable areas for the virus extend throughout the coastal areas of West and Central Africa, stretching from Cameroon to Guinea and into the East into the East African Lakes region.

For further details see:

Jesús Olivero, John E. Fa, Raimundo Real, Miguel Ángel Farfán, Ana Luz Márquez, J. Mario Vargas, J. Paul Gonzalez, Andrew A. Cunningham, Robert Nasi. Mammalian biogeography and the Ebola virus in Africa. Mammal Review, 2016; DOI: 10.1111/mam.12074

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle