Risk assessment of Ebola Reston virus in humans in the Philippines

• Published in: Western Pacific surveillance and response journal 2019-07, Vol.10 (3), p.1-8
• Main Authors: Peñas, Johnette A, Miranda, Mary Elizabeth, de Los Reyes, Vikki Carr, Sucaldito, Ma Nemia L, Magpantay, Rio L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Communicable Diseases - epidemiology; Communicable Diseases - virology; Disease Outbreaks - veterinary; ebolavirus; Ebolavirus - isolation & purification; Ebolavirus - pathogenicity; Female; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola - epidemiology; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola - veterinary; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola - virology; Humans; Male; Non theme issue; Philippines - epidemiology; primates; Risk Assessment; Swine; Swine Diseases - epidemiology; Swine Diseases - virology
• ISSN: 2094-7321; 2094-7313
• DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2017.3.004

There have been five documented outbreaks of Ebola Reston virus (RESTV) in animals epidemiologically linked to the Philippines. This assessment was conducted to determine the risk of RESTV occurring in humans in the Philippines and its potential pathogenicity in humans. The World Health Organization l was used for the assessment. A literature review was done and a risk assessment matrix was used for the risk characterization of the outbreaks in the Philippines. The risk assessment was conducted by the Philippines Field Epidemiology Training Program. The risk of RESTV occurring in humans in the Philippines and its potential pathogenicity in humans were both assessed as moderate. Animals involved in RESTV outbreaks in the Philippines were non-human primates and domestic pigs. The presence of RESTV in pigs poses a possibility of genetic evolution of the virus. Although RESTV has been identified in humans, there was no death or illness attributed to the infection. The Philippines Inter-agency Committee on Zoonoses oversees collaboration between the animal and human health sectors for the prevention and control of zoonoses. However, there is no surveillance of risk animals or previously affected farms to monitor and facilitate early identification of cases. The moderate risk of RESTV recurring among humans in the Philippines and its potential pathogenicity in humans reinforces the need for early detection, surveillance and continued studies of RESTV pathogenesis and its health consequences. The One Health approach, with the involvement and coordination of public health, veterinary services and the community, is essential in the detection, control and management of zoonosis.