Ebola Virus in Pregnancy

An Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. In recent years, substantial advances in evidence-based clinical guidelines, vaccines, and therapeutics have been made, leading to improved outcomes. Our understanding regarding pregnancy outcomes has evolved; maternal mortality rates appear lower than previously believed, but vertical transmission and neonatal death rates remain high. Information gaps persist, particularly regarding infection with Bundibugyo ebolavirus, the species responsible for the current outbreak. No licensed therapeutics or vaccines are available, although candidates are promising. Including pregnant individuals in trials is critical to generating evidence on safety and efficacy of therapeutics during pregnancy. Here we provide an update regarding Ebola virus disease and implications for pregnancy.