Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania face first known outbreaks of Marburg virus
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has sent personnel to Africa to assist in stopping the Marburg virus outbreak in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania. The CDC is responding to the countries’ first known outbreaks of this highly infectious viral fever that is closely related to Ebola.
The Marburg virus causes a rare and deadly disease that presents with symptoms including fever, chills, muscle pain, rash, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, unexplained bleeding or bruising, and can have high fatality rates. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak has serious epidemic potential.
CDC urges travelers to avoid contact with sick people and watch for symptoms
The CDC has urged travelers to both Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania to avoid contact with sick people and be aware of how the virus can spread through bodily fluids as well as contaminated surfaces. The CDC is advising travelers who have returned from these countries or have been in close contact with someone infected with Marburg virus to monitor themselves for any symptoms for 21 days after leaving the country.
Travelers to Equatorial Guinea are advised to take enhanced precautions and avoid nonessential travel in provinces where the outbreak is ongoing. Meanwhile, international airports are posting notices warning travelers about watching for symptoms of the virus after leaving these countries.
Nine confirmed cases in Equatorial Guinea; eight confirmed cases in Tanzania
Equatorial Guinea has faced 13 confirmed cases of the Marburg virus so far, including nine fatalities and one person who has recovered. Nine CDC staffers are currently on-site in Equatorial Guinea to establish a field laboratory and assist with testing, case identification, as well as contact tracing measures.
Tanzania has reported eight confirmed Marburg cases so far including five fatalities. The CDC has a permanent office in Tanzania that is assisting with the outbreak and is also sending additional staff to back up those efforts.
Marburg virus spreads through contact with infected animals
Scientists believe the Marburg virus is transmitted to humans via contact with infected animals, particularly bats. The virus can also be spread via bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces, potentially putting health care workers at increased risk for contracting the virus.
The infection is difficult to distinguish from other illnesses, which makes it all the more important to report any history of recent travel to Equatorial Guinea or Tanzania when presenting with any of the symptoms associated with Marburg virus.
No known vaccine or cure exists for Marburg virus
There is currently no known vaccine or cure for the Marburg virus. However, research into early candidate vaccines, blood products, immune therapies, and drug therapies are currently being studied as possible treatments for the disease.
In 2018, CDC scientists conducted an investigation of Marburg virus outbreaks in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park by tracking the movements of bats using GPS units attached to their backs.
Conclusion
While the threat of Marburg virus may seem concerning, it’s important to recognize that current measures being taken on-site in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania suggest that the outbreak could be contained. Nevertheless, anyone traveling to these areas should heed advice from the CDC and avoid coming into contact with sick individuals or any potentially infected materials while abroad.
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