The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first comprehensive guidelines for the clinical management of filovirus disease, covering all types of Ebola and Marburg viruses, as the Democratic Republic of the Congo battles an Ebola disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus, according to a press release issued on 17 June 2026. The guidelines emphasize the importance of early supportive care to improve patient survival and health outcomes. They outline 16 evidence-based recommendations developed through global expert consultations. The document is intended to guide health workers, administrators, and policy makers. It marks the first WHO guidance to cover the full spectrum of filovirus diseases.
Ebola and Marburg diseases are serious and often fatal, with case fatality rates ranging from 25% to 90% in the most severe outbreaks. Since 1967, when Marburg virus was first discovered, 72 outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg diseases have been reported in Africa. These outbreaks often carry significant socio-economic and psychological impact on affected communities. There are no licensed vaccines or treatments for Marburg virus disease, Bundibugyo virus disease, or Sudan virus disease. In their absence, early supportive care significantly improves survival.
The guidelines were built on the most up-to-date scientific evidence and clinical knowledge, translating lessons learned from recent Ebola and Marburg disease outbreaks into practical recommendations. WHO has previously released several guidelines on clinical care and therapeutics specific to Ebola virus disease. The new document aims to harmonize clinical approaches across settings. It also helps facilities plan and prepare through adequate provision of medical supplies, biomedical equipment, laboratory support, and human resources. Frontline health workers are the primary intended users.
Key recommendations include using prioritized clinical laboratory tests to monitor patients, treating dehydration through oral and intravenous rehydration, and using intravenous fluids and vasoactive medications to manage shock. The guidelines also call for appropriate antibiotic treatment when bacterial infections, including sepsis, are present, and structured after-care for survivors.
“These new guidelines are a perfect example of how WHO leverages science to better protect and care for people during outbreaks and health emergencies,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
He added that the current Bundibugyo virus outbreak is a stark reminder of the need for diligent, holistic and person-focused medical care. He encouraged governments to integrate the recommendations into preparedness and response.
For Bundibugyo virus disease, as with other filovirus diseases, early recognition, rapid referral, and optimized supportive care remain fundamental components of patient care. Optimized supportive care can reduce complications and provide the foundation on which all other clinical interventions are delivered. It is also a pre-requisite for clinical research evaluating antiviral treatments. The new clinical guidelines complement existing WHO guidance and operational tools designed to support safe and effective care delivery. Together, they aim to strengthen outbreak response and improve patient outcomes.
