Creating a global model of care for Ebola and other emerging infectious diseases
In 2014, the world watched as the first of four patients with Ebola virus disease arrived at Emory University Hospital. At a time when little was known about caring for these patients, the university's Serious Communicable Diseases Unit (SCDU) successfully treated those with Ebola, creating protocols that are now the standard for deadly infections.
With Ebola still very much a threat, Emory's team of researchers and infectious disease experts is translating the learnings from 2014 to everyday patient care and working to find game-changing therapies for the disease.
Media Contacts
11 lessons learned from treating Ebola at Emory
What happened in 2014 is proving instructive for improving everyday patient care.
What were the key takeaways?
Because They Got Better
Emory treated the first Ebola patient in the U.S., and cared for a total of four people with Ebola in 2014.
Learn What Emory's Patients Did Next
In the Congo
Ophthalmologists from Emory were in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the outbreak. Find out why.
Protecting Ebola survivors in the Hot ZoneOn the front lines: "Team Ebola" experts
The response to Ebola at Emory was a collective, cross-disciplinary effort across the university. Four members of the original team speak about their experiences in Emory Hospital's Serious Communicable Diseases Unit (SCDU).
“A turning point.”
—Sharon Vanairsdale, SCDU program director, nurse on original Ebola team
“How do we identify risk and train around that?”
—Colleen Kraft, SCDU physician who was part of original Ebola team
“An opportunity for the best outcome.”
—Bruce Ribner, SCDU founder and medical director
“I am the backup for the heroes.”
—Jill Morgan, Critical care nurse who cared for first Ebola patient at Emory
Resources
Inside Emory's Isolation Unit
The unit is one of four patient bio-containment units in the country and is specially equipped to deal with the most serious cases.
Read about Emory's Isolation Unit
Suiting up
The nuts and bolts of the personal protective equipment that nurses and doctors wear when caring for patients with highly infectious and deadly diseases.
Learn more about the suit
Ebola preparedness protocols
Emory created this reference microsite to house resources for training clinicians in the care of patients with Ebola.
Read about ebola protocols
Ebola under the microscope
Understanding how pathogens evolve is key to helping find a cure.
Understanding the virus
Take an Online Course on Ebola
Learn about the evolving Ebola epidemic from two Emory experts.
Take the Coursera course