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Equatorial Guinea: viral outbreaks

Equatorial Guinea is an African country that faces many diseases recently. Know more about it.

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by Ana Machado

02/25/2023 | Updated on 03/02/2023

Equatorial Guinea has experienced outbreaks of several viral diseases in recent years. Some of the most notable include:

  • Ebola virus disease: Equatorial Guinea experienced an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in 2014, which was linked to the larger outbreak in West Africa that occurred between 2014 and 2016. The outbreak in Equatorial Guinea resulted in over 100 reported cases, with a mortality rate of approximately 50%.
  • Chikungunya: Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Equatorial Guinea has experienced several outbreaks of chikungunya in recent years, with thousands of cases reported.
  • Yellow fever: Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Equatorial Guinea has experienced several outbreaks of yellow fever in recent years, and the country has implemented mass vaccination campaigns to prevent the spread of the disease.
  • COVID-19: Equatorial Guinea has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with thousands of reported cases and several hundred deaths.

Prevention and control measures for these viral diseases typically involve public education and awareness campaigns, surveillance and early detection, isolation and treatment of infected individuals, and vaccination campaigns where available. These measures are important to prevent the spread of the diseases and to protect public health.


There are several factors that contribute to why Africa suffers from many viral diseases. Some of the most significant include:

  • Poverty: Many countries in Africa are among the poorest in the world, with limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and clean water. This makes it difficult to control the spread of viral diseases and to provide effective treatment to those who become infected.
  • Climate: Many viral diseases are transmitted by insects such as mosquitoes and ticks, which thrive in warm and humid climates. The tropical and subtropical climates of many African countries provide an ideal environment for these insects, making it easier for them to transmit diseases.
  • Wildlife: Africa is home to a wide range of wildlife, including many species that can carry and transmit viral diseases to humans. This can make it difficult to control the spread of diseases, particularly in rural areas where people may come into contact with wildlife more frequently.
  • Population growth: Many African countries have experienced rapid population growth in recent decades, which can strain healthcare systems and make it more difficult to control the spread of diseases.
  • Limited access to vaccines and treatments: Many viral diseases can be prevented or treated with vaccines and antiviral medications. However, access to these tools can be limited in some African countries due to cost, infrastructure, and other factors.

Overall, the combination of poverty, climate, wildlife, population growth, and limited access to vaccines and treatments can contribute to why Africa suffers from many viral diseases. Addressing these issues will be critical to improving public health in the region.

Equatorial Guinea has experienced outbreaks of several viral diseases in recent years, including Ebola virus disease, chikungunya, yellow fever, and COVID-19. Prevention and control measures for these viral diseases typically involve public education and awareness campaigns, surveillance and early detection, isolation and treatment of infected individuals, and vaccination campaigns where available. Poverty, limited access to healthcare, climate, wildlife, population growth, and limited access to vaccines and treatments are some of the factors that contribute to why Africa, including Equatorial Guinea, suffers from many viral diseases. Addressing these issues will be critical to improving public health in the region.

About the author  /  Ana Machado

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