Overview By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Ebola virus and Marburg virus are related viruses that cause hemorrhagic fevers — illnesses marked by severe bleeding (hemorrhage), organ failure and, in many cases, death. Both viruses are native to Africa, where sporadic outbreaks have occurred for decades. Ebola virus and Marburg virus live in animal hosts, and humans can contract the viruses from infected animals. After the initial transmission, the viruses can spread from person to person through contact with body fluids or contaminated needles. No drug has been approved to treat either virus. People diagnosed with Ebola or Marburg virus receive supportive care and treatment for complications. Scientists are coming closer to developing vaccines for these deadly diseases. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Symptoms & causes July 15, 2017 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter References Ebola (Ebola virus disease). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/. Accessed Jan. 31, 2017. Ebola (Ebola virus disease): Sierra Leone trial to introduce a vaccine against Ebola (STRIVE) questions and answers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/strive/qa.html. Accessed Jan. 31, 2017. Marburg hemorrhagic fever (Marburg HF). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/marburg/. Accessed Jan. 31, 2017. Bray M, et al. Epidemiology pathogenesis of Ebola virus disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 31, 2017. Bray M, et al. Treatment and prevention of Ebola virus disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 31, 2017. Bray M, et al. Clinical manifestation and diagnosis of Ebola virus disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 31, 2017. Bray M. Marburg virus. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 31, 2017. RelatedEbola transmission: Can Ebola spread through the air?Hand-washing tipsRed eyeMuscle painCoughNausea and vomitingHeadacheUnexplained weight lossDiarrheaJoint pain Ebola virus and Marburg virusOverviewSymptoms & causesDiagnosis & treatmentDiagnosisTreatmentPreparing for your appointmentSelf-managementMore aboutIn-DepthExpert AnswersResourcesNews from Mayo Clinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Store Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic Diet BookMedical News From a Trusted SourceMayo Clinic on Healthy AgingA New Perspective on Alzheimer'sThe Mayo Clinic Diet Online Diagnosis & treatmentRequest an AppointmentDiagnosisTreatmentPreparing for your appointment CON-20301720 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Ebola virus and Marburg virus