WHO supports Equatorial Guinea in combating the country’s first deadly Marburg virus outbreak
The rare but severe viral haemorrhagic fever is similar to Ebola and has a fatality rate of up to 88 per cent.
So far, there have been nine deaths and 16 suspected cases with symptoms including fever, fatigue and vomiting blood and diarrhea, WHO reported on Monday. Further investigations are underway.
Quick action, expert meeting
“Marburg is very infectious. Thanks to the quick action and determination by the Equatorial Guinean authorities in confirming the disease, the emergency response can take full speed so that save lives and stop the virus as soon as possible,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director for Africa.
WHO on Tuesday called an urgent meeting of the Marburg virus vaccine coalition (MARVAC) to discuss the outbreak.
MARVAC includes leaders in the field of vaccine research and development, working together to develop vaccines against the disease.
Samples sent to Senegal
The outbreak was confirmed after the death of nine people in Kie Ntem Province, located in western Equatorial Guinea. The reported deaths occurred between January 7 and March 7, according to media reports.
Health authorities sent samples to the Institut Pasteur reference laboratory in Senegal, with support from the WHO, to determine the cause.
Eight samples were tested, one of which was positive.
An emergency response is underway
Advanced teams have been deployed to the affected areas to trace contacts, isolate and provide medical treatment to people showing symptoms of the disease.
Forced emergency response efforts are still underway, and WHO has deployed health emergency experts in epidemiology, case management, infection prevention, laboratory and risk communication.
The UN agency is also facilitating the shipment of laboratory gloves for diagnostic testing and malaria equipment including personal protective equipment for use by 500 health workers.
Ebola connection
The Marburg virus is in the same virus family that causes Ebola.
It is spread to humans by fruit bats and is spread by direct contact with the body fluids of infected people, surfaces and objects.
The disease was first detected in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in the German cities of Marburg and Frankfurt, and in Belgrade, Serbia.
Illness begins suddenly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. Most patients develop severe bleeding symptoms within seven days.
While there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat the virus so far, rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, and treatment of specific symptoms, improve the chances of survival.
