Surveillance, case investigation and contact tracing in filovirus disease outbreaks

Overview

This operational guidance helps countries detect filovirus disease outbreaks early, find all cases, interrupt transmission and use data to guide the response. It covers Ebola disease (caused by Ebola, Sudan, Bundibugyo and Taï Forest viruses) and Marburg virus disease. It updates the 2015 WHO guideline on contact tracing for Ebola virus disease.

The guidance spans the full surveillance cycle across five functions: routine surveillance in humans and wildlife; early warning and alert systems; outbreak investigation and contact tracing, including across borders and at mass gatherings; epidemiological analytics; and community engagement in every phase. It includes revised case definitions based on recent outbreak evidence, a simplified contact definition based on exposure, and annexes on team roles, tools, International Health Regulations provisions and digital data standards.

It is intended for public health practitioners, epidemiologists, surveillance officers, laboratory staff and field responders. It does not replace national protocols.