Marburg Virus Outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania Raise Health Concerns

Equatorial Guinea Declares Marburg Virus Outbreak with Deadly Consequences

In mid-February 2022, the health ministry of Equatorial Guinea declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease. As per the official sources, at least nine laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported so far, out of which seven have resulted in a fatal outcome. In addition, there are about 20 probable cases of individuals who have died from the infection. The outbreak poses a significant threat to human health as Marburg virus is highly contagious and fatal.

Marburg virus is caused by the same family of viruses responsible for Ebola virus disease. It causes severe hemorrhagic fever that affects multiple organ systems and includes profuse bleeding. The virus is transmitted from animals to humans, with fruit bats identified as the hosts transmitting it to people. The virus can transmit through direct contact with contaminated bodily fluids or objects.

Tanzania Confirms Its First-Ever Cases of Marburg Virus Disease

Tanzania has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease, raising concerns over potential further spread. The National Public Health Laboratory identified eight cases in Kagera region in early October 2022, five of whom have died and three are receiving treatment. Health officials are monitoring a total of 161 contacts with suspected exposure to the virus.

Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes hemorrhagic fever with a fatality ratio of up to 88%. The disease can transmit through direct contact with contaminated bodily fluids or materials from infected individuals or surfaces where such materials may survive for extended periods.

Emergency Response In Action

Following a confirmation of the outbreak, Tanzanian authorities deployed an emergency response team to Kagera region. The team is conducting active case finding in the community and local healthcare facilities while identifying more contacts of people who may have been exposed to the virus. WHO is supporting Tanzania’s Ministry of Health in deploying an emergency team and conducting further epidemiological investigations.

The virus spreads easily within communities, and neighbouring countries have increased surveillance to prevent the epidemic’s spread. To prevent transmission, individuals with suspected or confirmed Marburg virus should be placed in isolation, and those caring for them should wear protective gowns, gloves, and masks.

Marburg Virus Disease: Symptoms and Prevention

Symptoms of the disease can range from fever, headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain and cramping with heavy watery diarrhea to severe weight loss and jaundice. The most severe cases may result in profuse bleeding from multiple orifices.

There is currently no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease. However, supportive care such as rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids improves survival.

Tanzania has had to respond to other health emergencies, including COVID-19, cholera and dengue outbreaks in the past three years. The country has been assessed to be at high risk of infectious diseases outbreaks by the WHO strategic risk assessment conducted in September 2022.

In conclusion, the Marburg Virus outbreak has emerged as a significant public health concern globally. While Equatorial Guinea declared an outbreak earlier this year, Tanzania is now reporting its first-ever outbreak of this deadly disease. While there is no cure nor vaccine for Marburg Virus disease, quick identification and prompt action in isolating affected individuals significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates from this highly contagious infection.

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