Filovirus Infections in Travellers

Filovirus disease (FVD) outbreaks present significant public health challenges when they occur in West and Central Africa. FVD includes Ebola and Marburg disease that carry high case fatality rates and significant nosocomial risk, with limited proven antiviral treatment options. African fruit bats are highly likely to be the reservoir host and whilst travellers are rarely infected, they are most at risk through exposure to bat’s natural habitat or as healthcare workers responding to an FVD outbreak. Basic precautionary measures will mitigate this risk as will vaccination that is available for Ebola virus disease.