Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fevers: neglected tropical diseases?

PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2012 Jun;6(6):e1546. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001546. Epub 2012 Jun 26.

Abstract

Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) and Marburg hemorrhagic fever (MHF) are rare viral diseases, endemic to central Africa. The overall burden of EHF and MHF is small in comparison to the more common protozoan, helminth, and bacterial diseases typically referred to as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). However, EHF and MHF outbreaks typically occur in resource-limited settings, and many aspects of these outbreaks are a direct consequence of impoverished conditions. We will discuss aspects of EHF and MHF disease, in comparison to the "classic" NTDs, and examine potential ways forward in the prevention and control of EHF and MHF in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as examine the potential for application of novel vaccines or antiviral drugs for prevention or control of EHF and MHF among populations at highest risk for disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa, Central / epidemiology
  • Animals
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Ebola Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / epidemiology
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Marburg Virus Disease / epidemiology
  • Marburg Virus Disease / prevention & control*
  • Neglected Diseases / epidemiology
  • Neglected Diseases / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Ebola Vaccines