Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Filoviridae

Filoviridae is a family of viruses that includes Ebola virus and Marburg virus. These viruses can cause severe and often fatal illness in humans and nonhuman primates. Filoviruses are classified as category A bioterrorism agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) due to their high potential for causing widespread illness and death and their ability to be transmitted through the air.

Filovirus infections are rare, but they can occur through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals or people, such as blood, vomit, diarrhea, and sweat. Symptoms of filovirus infection may include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, filovirus infections can cause bleeding, organ failure, and shock.

There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for filovirus infections, and management of the illness is largely supportive, including the use of fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration and the use of medications to manage symptoms. Healthcare professionals caring for patients with filovirus infections must take precautions to prevent transmission, including wearing protective clothing and equipment and following proper infection control procedures.