WHO guidelines for the clinical management of filovirus disease

Overview

This WHO guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the clinical management of filovirus disease, including disease caused by Ebola, Sudan, Bundibugyo, Taï Forest and Marburg viruses. Developed in accordance with WHO guideline development standards and the GRADE methodology, it expands previous disease-specific guidance to establish a harmonized approach applicable across filovirus outbreaks. The guideline is intended for clinicians providing care in often resource-constrained settings and focuses on clinical interventions that may reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes.

The document presents recommendations on systematic clinical and laboratory monitoring, oral and intravenous fluid therapy, management of shock, use of vasopressors, treatment of suspected bacterial co-infection, management of haemorrhagic complications, and post-discharge follow-up of survivors. Recommendations are informed by systematic reviews and evidence-to-decision frameworks that consider benefits and harms, certainty of evidence, patient values, feasibility, resource use, equity and acceptability. Emphasizing patient-centred supportive care, the guideline highlights the importance of timely assessment, individualized treatment, and integration with infection prevention and control measures and related WHO guidance to strengthen the quality of care and improve outcomes during filovirus disease outbreaks.