22/06/2026
WHO Issues Comprehensive Guidelines on Filovirus Diseases, Including Ebola and Marburg Disease
17 June 2026
As the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to battle an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first comprehensive guidelines for the clinical management of filovirus diseases, covering all forms of Ebola and Marburg virus infections.
The new guidelines emphasize the critical role of early supportive care in improving patient survival and health outcomes and provide 16 evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals managing these highly lethal infections.
Understanding Ebola and Marburg Diseases
Ebola and Marburg diseases are severe viral hemorrhagic fevers associated with high mortality rates. During major outbreaks, case fatality rates have ranged from 25% to as high as 90%, making them among the most dangerous infectious diseases known to humanity.
Since the discovery of the Marburg virus in 1967, Africa has experienced 72 outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg diseases. Beyond their devastating health consequences, these outbreaks often result in profound social, economic, and psychological impacts on affected communities.
Currently, licensed vaccines and specific treatments are unavailable for Marburg virus disease, Bundibugyo virus disease, and Sudan virus disease. In such settings, prompt and effective supportive care remains the cornerstone of patient management and can significantly improve survival.
WHO Calls for Patient-Centered Care
According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the new guidelines demonstrate how scientific evidence can be translated into practical clinical interventions that save lives during outbreaks and health emergencies.
He emphasized that the ongoing Bundibugyo virus outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of holistic, person-centered medical care in preserving both life and human dignity. WHO has encouraged governments and public health authorities to integrate these recommendations into outbreak preparedness and response strategies to ensure high-quality care for all patients.
Evidence-Based Recommendations for Clinical Management
Developed through consultations with international experts and based on the latest scientific evidence and clinical experience, the guidelines transform lessons learned from recent Ebola and Marburg outbreaks into practical recommendations for frontline healthcare workers.
The document is intended to:
- Standardize clinical management approaches across healthcare settings.
- Improve patient outcomes through evidence-based care.
- Assist healthcare facility administrators in preparedness planning.
- Ensure adequate availability of medical supplies, laboratory support, biomedical equipment, and trained personnel during outbreaks.
Key Clinical Recommendations
1. Prioritized Laboratory Monitoring
Healthcare providers should use essential laboratory investigations to identify and manage treatable complications such as:
- Hypoglycaemia
- Electrolyte disturbances
- Metabolic abnormalities
- Organ dysfunction
Early detection allows timely intervention and may prevent clinical deterioration.
2. Rapid Management of Dehydration
Severe dehydration is a common and potentially life-threatening complication of filovirus diseases.
The guidelines recommend:
- Early assessment of hydration status
- Prompt oral rehydration when feasible
- Intravenous fluid therapy for patients unable to maintain adequate oral intake
3. Aggressive Treatment of Shock
Shock caused by severe infection can rapidly lead to multiple organ failure.
WHO recommends:
- Early administration of intravenous fluids
- Appropriate use of vasoactive medications when necessary
- Continuous monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygenation, and tissue perfusion
These interventions can significantly improve survival when implemented promptly.
4. Management of Secondary Bacterial Infections
Patients with Ebola or Marburg disease may develop concurrent bacterial infections, including sepsis.
The guidelines advise:
- Careful clinical assessment
- Early recognition of bacterial co-infections
- Timely initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy when indicated
5. Structured Follow-Up Care for Survivors
Recovery does not end with hospital discharge.
WHO recommends comprehensive post-recovery care to:
- Support physical and psychological well-being
- Monitor long-term complications
- Reduce risks associated with viral persistence in survivors
- Improve quality of life after recovery
Importance of Supportive Care in Bundibugyo Virus Disease
For Bundibugyo virus disease and other filovirus infections, WHO highlights three fundamental pillars of patient care:
1. Early recognition of illness
2. Rapid referral to appropriate healthcare facilities
3. Optimized supportive care
Supportive care not only reduces complications and mortality but also provides the foundation upon which future antiviral therapies can be evaluated through clinical research.
Implications for Global Health Preparedness
The release of these comprehensive guidelines marks an important milestone in outbreak preparedness and response. By standardizing clinical management and emphasizing evidence-based supportive care, WHO aims to strengthen healthcare systems' ability to respond effectively to future outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg diseases.
As emerging infectious diseases continue to pose global threats, these recommendations reinforce a fundamental public health principle: timely recognition, rapid intervention, and high-quality supportive care remain among the most powerful tools for saving lives during infectious disease outbreaks.
Conclusion
WHO's new clinical management guidelines provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive roadmap for managing Ebola and Marburg diseases. In the absence of universally available vaccines and specific treatments for several filovirus infections, early supportive care remains the most effective strategy for reducing mortality and improving patient outcomes.
By adopting these evidence-based recommendations, healthcare systems can enhance preparedness, improve clinical care, and ultimately save more lives during future filovirus outbreaks.
