Glossary

A sudden and usually unforeseen event that calls for immediate measures to minimize

its adverse consequences. (UN DHA). Emergency is a term describing a state. It is a

managerial term, demanding decision and follow-up in terms of extra-ordinary

measures (Oxford Pocket Dictionary, 1992).A "state of emergency" demands to "be

declared" or imposed by somebody in authority, who, at a certain moment, will also lift

it. Thus, it is usually defined in time and space, it requires threshold values to be

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is caused by a virus. It is a severe and often fatal disease. It

can affect humans and other primates. Researchers believe that the virus first spreads

from an infected animal to a human. It can then spread from human to human through

direct contact with a patient's blood or secretions.

Symptoms of Ebola may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to the

virus. Symptoms usually include

• Fever

• Headache

• Joint and muscle aches

• Weakness

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

The provision of timely and effective information, through identified institutions, that

allows individuals exposed to a hazard to take action to avoid or reduce their risk and

prepare for effective response. (ISDR)

Electronic Government' (or in short 'e-Government') essentially refers to ‘The utilization

of Information Technology (IT), Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs),

and other web-based telecommunication technologies to improve and/or enhance on

the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery in the public sector.’ (Jeong, 2007).

e-Government promotes and improves broad stakeholders contribution to national and

community development, as well as deepen the governance process.