What to Know About the Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Ebola Virus and Marburg Virus
- Ebola virus and Marburg virus are in the Filovirus family of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs). They are life-threatening illnesses, characterized by fever, bleeding, and possible multi-organ failure.
- Most outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg have started in sub-Saharan Central and West Africa, but they can spread to other countries through travel.
- People can become infected if they come into contact with an infected animal or person.
- To prevent becoming infected with Ebola virus or Marburg virus, avoid contact with body fluids from people who may have or have been confirmed to have these diseases.
The New York State Department of Health (the Department) continues to protect public health by working aggressively to prevent the spread of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs). The Department carefully monitors outbreaks and maintains close communication with partner agencies and other organizations to monitor any suspect or confirmed cases of Ebola or Marburg. The Department is prepared to provide guidance and information on infection prevention and control protocols and procedures to ensure the health and safety of health care workers, patients, visitors, and the general public in the event of international transmission.
What are Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease?
Ebola and Marburg are types of viral hemorrhagic fevers that are rare but can be deadly. More information about these diseases can be found on these Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpages:
How do Ebola virus and Marburg virus spread?
Ebola virus and Marburg virus are spread through:
- Direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids (urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, and semen) of an infected symptomatic person.
- Direct contact with a person who died from Ebola virus disease or Marburg virus disease.
- Exposure to objects (such as clothes, bedding, needles, and medical equipment) that have been contaminated with infected bodily fluids.
- Eating bushmeat of infected animals. (PDF)
- Semen of men who have recovered from previous Ebola virus disease or Marburg virus disease (through oral, vaginal, or anal sex).
Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease are not spread through:
- Individuals who are not symptomatic. For these viruses to be transmitted, a person must have direct contact with an individual who is experiencing symptoms.
- The air. Unlike respiratory diseases like influenza, Ebola virus and Marburg virus cannot be spread through the air.
- Food grown or legally purchased in the United States.
What are the symptoms of Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease?
Signs and symptoms of Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease are similar and may appear anywhere from 2-21 days (8-10 on average) after exposure to the virus and may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Joint and muscle aches
- Weakness
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Lack of appetite
- Rash
- Abnormal bleeding
What can I do to prevent Ebola virus disease or Marburg virus disease?
- Avoid contact with people who are potentially sick with Ebola virus disease or Marburg virus disease, and their blood and body fluids.
- Do not handle items that may have come into contact with an infected person's body fluids.
- Avoid contact with semen from a person who recovered from Ebola virus disease or Marburg virus disease until testing shows that the virus is gone from their semen.
- Avoid contact with bats, forest antelopes, and primates as well as contact with raw meat from areas where Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease are found.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, when available, or use hand sanitizer.
If you traveled to an area with an outbreak of Ebola virus disease or Marburg virus disease, watch yourself for symptoms, especially fever, for 21 days after leaving the country. If you start feeling sick, avoid contact with other people and call your local health department. When you go to a health care provider, tell them right away about your travel.
Are there any vaccines that I can get before traveling to areas where Ebola virus and Marburg virus are found?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved ERVEBO, a vaccine for some people who are at risk of exposure. However, ERVEBO is only effective against one kind of Ebola virus disease called Orthoebolavirus zairense. The vaccine is only available for health care workers who are likely to work with a patient with Ebola virus disease.
There is no vaccine to prevent Marburg virus disease.
Who is at highest risk of getting Ebola virus or Marburg virus?
People who are at highest risk of getting Ebola virus or Marburg virus are those in outbreak areas and who:
- Work in health care settings.
- Provide personal care to people who are ill.
- Participate in funeral or burial activities.
What is the treatment for Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease?
There is no specific treatment for Ebola virus disease or Marburg virus disease, but patients can be provided with supportive care. Symptoms are treated with rest and hydration, and health care providers might also manage oxygen levels and blood pressure.
