Complications

Both Ebola virus and Marburg virus lead to death for a high number of people who are affected. As the illnesses progress, the viruses can cause:

• Multiple organ failure
• Severe bleeding
• Jaundice
• Delirium
• Seizures
• Coma
• Shock

One reason the viruses are so deadly is that they interfere with the immune system's ability to mount a defense. But scientists don't understand why some people recover from Ebola virus and Marburg virus and others don't.

For people who survive, recovery is slow. It may take months to regain weight and strength, and the viruses remain in the body for weeks. People may experience:

• Hair loss
• Sensory changes
• Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Eye inflammation
• Testicular inflammation