The Marburg virus disease outbreak in Equatorial Guinea has been ongoing for nearly three months, resulting in 11 confirmed deaths and 15 positive cases, according to the latest report from the country’s Health Ministry.
What is the Marburg virus disease?
Marburg virus disease is a highly infectious viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus. The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals, such as fruit bats or non-human primates, or with surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids. The disease is rare but severe, with a high case fatality rate, which can be as high as 88%.
Marburg virus disease was first discovered in 1967, when laboratory workers in Marburg, Germany, became infected with the virus after handling African green monkeys from Uganda. Since then, outbreaks have been reported in other African countries, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.
The disease has many similarities to the Ebola virus disease, which is also a viral hemorrhagic fever. The two diseases share many of the same symptoms, including fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the disease can cause bleeding from the gums, nose, and rectum, as well as internal bleeding.
Marburg virus disease in Equatorial Guinea
The current Marburg virus disease outbreak in Equatorial Guinea started in the eastern province of Kie-Ntem, where it caused the first known deaths on January 7. The outbreak has since spread to Bata, the economic capital of the small central African country, where nine cases have been confirmed, according to authorities.
The Equatorial Guinea government has not yet issued a statement on the recent report from the Health Ministry. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called on the country to report cases of the Marburg virus, fearing a potential “large-scale epidemic” that could affect neighboring Gabon and Cameroon.
WHO has deployed additional experts to help with the outbreak and is also working to strengthen preparedness and response in Gabon and Cameroon. The organization has warned that the Marburg virus disease outbreak in Equatorial Guinea is a serious public health concern and that urgent action is needed to contain its spread.
Prevention and treatment of the Marburg virus disease
There is currently no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease. However, supportive care such as oral or intravenous rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms can increase the chances of survival. The key to preventing the spread of the disease is to identify cases early, isolate patients, and provide appropriate care.
People who are at high risk of infection, such as healthcare workers, laboratory staff, and people who handle or come into contact with bats or non-human primates, should take extra precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the virus.
This includes wearing protective clothing, such as gloves, masks, and goggles, and practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with bodily fluids.
The Marburg virus disease outbreak in Equatorial Guinea is a serious public health concern that demands immediate attention. With a high case fatality rate and no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment, urgent action is needed to contain its spread.
The virus is transmitted to humans by fruit bats and is spread in humans through direct contact with the body fluids of infected persons or with contaminated surfaces and materials. This makes it a highly contagious and deadly disease that can quickly lead to widespread fatalities if not properly contained.
It is crucial that people who are at high risk of infection take extra precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the virus. This includes healthcare workers, laboratory staff, and those who come into close contact with infected persons or their bodily fluids.
These individuals should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), practice good hygiene, and follow strict infection control protocols to prevent the spread of the disease.
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