Filoviruses

Filoviruses are a group of viruses that cause severe, often deadly diseases in humans and animals. They are filament-shaped, long and thin, and belong to the family Filoviridae. The most well-known filoviruses include Ebola and Marburg viruses, which can spread through contact with contaminated bodily fluids like blood or vomit. They cause symptoms such as fever, bleeding, and organ failure, and outbreaks can be challenging to control. These viruses primarily originate from wild animals like fruit bats, and their outbreaks often happen in parts of Africa. Researchers continue working on vaccines and treatments to better manage these dangerous pathogens.