Ebola and Marburg virus diseases
Ebola and Marburg are serious and often fatal viral infections that cause haemorrhagic fever. The viruses are transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. These diseases have almost identical symptoms and modes of transmission, and a laboratory test is needed to distinguish between them.
Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo and Uganda
There is currently an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The risk of spread to Europe and Norway is very low. However, if this were to happen, the health authorities are well prepared and there is low risk of further spread.
How Ebola and Marburg are spread
The Ebola and Marburg viruses are found in a number of wild animal species in some African countries. People can be infected by these animals.
The infection can spread from person to person through direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids from someone who is ill. Close contacts, including people who live with or care for an ill person or handle the body of someone who has died, are at particular risk. Health professionals are also at increased risk if adequate infection control measures are not in place.
The virus can be transmitted only after symptoms begin. The risk of transmission increases as the disease progresses and is highest during the haemorrhagic stage and after death.
The viruses are not airborne or spread through casual contact, such as sharing a room with or passing an infected person. They are not transmitted through aircraft air-conditioning systems, but passengers seated closest to an infected person will be followed up as a precaution.
Incubation period
The incubation period is 2–21 days. If you remain symptom-free for 21 days after contact with an infectious person, infection can be ruled out.
Mortality rate
The mortality rate varies widely, depending on access to healthcare, testing and treatment.
Symptoms of Ebola and Marburg
The initial symptoms are non-specific and may include
- fever
- chills
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- headache
- muscle and joint pain
- fatigue
- abdominal pain
After 5–7 days, bleeding and organ failure may ensue.
Ebola and Marburg diseases have similar symptoms, and laboratory testing is required to confirm the diagnosis. Testing is possible only after symptoms develop.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment. Care focuses on relieving symptoms and providing supportive care.
Prevention
Vaccines are available against some Ebola viruses but are currently used only during outbreaks. Other vaccines, including one against Marburg virus, are under development.
The risk of infection for people travelling to countries where there is an ongoing outbreak, without coming into direct contact with infected individuals, is very low.
These diseases can be prevented by:
- avoiding contact with sick or deceased people
- avoiding close contact with live and dead animals, including monkeys, rodents and bats
- not visiting caves or other bat habitats
- not eating or preparing bushmeat, i.e. meat from wild animals
FAQ about Ebola and Marburg
What should you do after returning from a country with an ongoing outbreak?
If you have not been in contact with a person infected with Ebola or Marburg
If you are well and have not been in contact with someone with Ebola or Marburg virus disease, no precautions are needed.
If you develop a fever or other symptoms after returning from an outbreak area, contact a doctor, even if you have had no known contact with an affected person. Tell the doctor where you have travelled so that other possible infections, such as malaria, can also be considered.
If you have had contact with someone with Ebola or Marburg virus disease
If you have had direct contact with someone who is ill with or has died from Ebola or Marburg virus disease, contact a doctor by phone and explain that you are a close contact, even if you have no symptoms.
Monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days after the contact.
If you develop a fever above 38 °C, with or without nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding:
- stay at home
- call a doctor immediately
- say that you have been in an outbreak area and are a close contact
I am meeting someone who lives in a country with an ongoing outbreak. Do I need to take any precautions?
No precautions are needed if the person is well and has no symptoms. There is no reason to avoid meeting people simply because they live in an outbreak-affected country.
How prepared is Norway for a case of Ebola or Marburg virus disease?
Norway is well prepared, and the risk of further transmission is very low.
Any confirmed case in Norway will be isolated and treated in a specialised unit.
More about Ebola and Marburg from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health
- Ebola – Handbook for health professionals (in Norwegian) (fhi.no)
- Malburg virus disease – Handbook for health professionals (in Norwegian) (fhi.no)
- Advice for aid workers and health professionals travelling to regions where there is an outbreak of Ebola or Marburg virus disease (in Norwegian) (fhi.no)
Content provided and quality-assured by Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Last updated 9. September 2026