This article describes discussions held at the ICPIC 2015 conference in Geneva, where a one-day session focused on the 2014–2015 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa. Topics include the timeline of the international response, linkages between the dynamics of the epidemic and infection prevention and control, the importance of community engagement, and updates on virology, diagnosis, treatment and vaccination issues. The article concludes, among other things, that there is a need for culturally sensitive approaches to public health which could be designed and delivered by social scientists and medical professionals working together.