Ebola virus disease in children during the 2014–2015 epidemic in Guinea: a nationwide cohort study

Abstract

EVD is a major threat to child health, especially among children under 5years of age. To date, none of demographic and clinical features, except younger age, have been consistently shown to affect mortality outcome in children infected with Ebola virus. What is Known: • The 2014-2015 West Africa Ebola epidemic is the largest and most widespread outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in history, with more than 11,000 deaths in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. • During ongoing outbreak investigations, it is suggested that young children aged less than 5years are particularly vulnerable and highly susceptible to death. What is New: • Demographic and clinical characteristics of the nationwide cohort of pediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed EVD in Guinea are reported. • The results confirm the high rate of death among EVD children under 5years of age, while none of demographic and clinical features, except younger age, could serve as a predictor of mortality outcome in pediatric patients with EVD.