The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued its first comprehensive clinical guidelines for filovirus diseases as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to battle an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
In a statement on Wednesday, WHO said the new guidelines consolidate Ebola and Marburg virus disease management into a single framework, offering 16 evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving patient outcomes during outbreaks.
According to the organisation, the guidelines emphasize early supportive care and standardised treatment approaches, which are critical in managing filovirus outbreaks where fatality rates can range from 25 to 90 percent.
WHO noted that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Bundibugyo highlights the urgent need for consistent and effective clinical protocols to guide frontline healthcare response.
The guidelines are designed to help healthcare workers deliver uniform care, while also assisting health facility managers and policymakers in planning essential supplies, equipment, laboratory support, and staffing during outbreaks.
Developed through global expert consultations and informed by recent outbreak experiences, the document translates field lessons into practical bedside treatment protocols.
WHO stressed that early supportive care remains central to treatment, including rapid rehydration, management of dehydration and shock, close patient monitoring, and prompt treatment of complications.
The recommendations also highlight the importance of early fluid administration, careful monitoring of clinical indicators, and timely use of vasoactive drugs in cases of shock.
In addition, WHO advised the use of targeted laboratory testing to detect and treat complications such as hypoglycaemia and metabolic imbalances, as well as the immediate use of antibiotics when bacterial infections or sepsis are suspected.
The organisation further encouraged health workers to closely monitor patients for signs of deterioration in order to prevent organ failure and improve survival rates.
WHO also included structured follow-up care for survivors to support long-term recovery and address complications linked to viral persistence.
The agency noted that Africa has recorded 72 Ebola and Marburg outbreaks since the Marburg virus was first identified in 1967, resulting in significant social, economic, and psychological impacts on affected communities.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the guidelines as an example of how scientific evidence can be translated into practical tools to improve outbreak response and patient care.
He also described the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC as a reminder of the importance of delivering holistic and person-centred care during public health emergencies.
WHO urged governments and health authorities to adopt the 16 recommendations as part of preparedness and response strategies to ensure high-quality care and protect the dignity of affected patients.
