Diagnostic testing for Ebola and Marburg virus diseases: interim guidance, 20 December 2024

Overview

Rapid diagnosis of Ebola and Marburg virus disease is critical to provide timely and appropriate care and stop transmission. These diseases can be difficult to clinically distinguish from other infectious diseases such as malaria, and countermeasures, including vaccines and therapeutics, are available specifically for some species of orthoebolaviruses and orthomarburgviruses, meaning that laboratory confirmation is very important. Handling of samples from patients with suspected Ebola or Marburg virus disease requires appropriate biosafety measures. 

The purpose of this interim guidance is to provide recommendations and operational considerations regarding the diagnosis of Ebola or Marburg virus disease to laboratory personnel, clinicians, health workers, public health officials and other stakeholders involved in the diagnosis and care of individuals with suspected or confirmed Ebola or Marburg virus disease.