Risk factors

For most people, the risk of getting Ebola virus or Marburg virus is low. The risk increases if you:

• Travel to Africa. You're at increased risk if you visit or work in areas where Ebola virus or Marburg virus outbreaks have occurred.
• Conduct animal research. People are more likely to contract the Ebola virus or Marburg virus if they conduct animal research with monkeys imported from Africa or the Philippines.
• Provide medical or personal care. Family members are often infected as they care for sick relatives. Medical personnel also can be infected if they don't use specialized personal protective equipment that covers them from head to toe.
• Prepare people for burial. The bodies of people who have died of Ebola virus or Marburg virus are still contagious. Helping prepare these bodies for burial can increase your risk of getting the viruses.