Evolution of Ebola and Marburg Treatment Centers Design, a Review of the Last Ten Years of Outbreaks in Africa

During Ebola and Marburg outbreaks, treatment centers are essential for patient care and controlling transmission. While clinical care advancements have been well-documented, the design of these centers has been less explored. This study addresses this gap by analyzing technical drawings of 48 treatment centers constructed between 2014 and 2023, using a reverse-engineering approach. The findings highlight a shift toward smaller, more manageable centers, with improved privacy andinfection control features. This review offers a framework for the future development of treatment center designs to enhance outbreak management. Key contributions include the identification of trends in center size and layout, providing a foundation for future design standards that can beapplied in managing infectious disease outbreaks. The study emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation in treatment center design to meet outbreak demands and calls for future research to develop indicators that measure the impact of design on health outcomes and patient experiences.