Impacts of the Filoviridae family

Abstract

Over 40 filovirus disease outbreaks have been reported since the discovery of the first member of the Filoviridae family, and most of the outbreaks have occurred in Africa. In addition to deaths (primary impacts), there have also been health, social, economic, and political effects (secondary impacts) due to the outbreaks. Two large filovirus disease outbreaks have occurred in West and Central Africa in recent times, and direct and indirect repercussions resulting from the outbreaks underscores the need to strengthen the capacity of health services in disease hotspots.