Special Report:  Ebola

The 2014 Ebola epidemic was the largest in world history, with more than 14,000 cases reported and more than 5,000 deaths, as of November 2014. The outbreak occurred primarily in the West African nations of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. However, a handful of cases were also reported in other African nations, Europe and in the United States, where two people came down with Ebola after returning from infected regions. Social workers had the background and knowledge to play a key role in educating people about Ebola and allaying public concern about the disease. 

In response to the epidemic, NASW prepared this guide to provide social workers information on the disease and how it is transmitted, along with behavioral health resources on the Ebola virus, and accounts and advice from social workers who have worked with people battling Ebola or who helped allay concerns about Ebola in the United States.