[FOVORITEDRSTORE 2023] Equatorial Guinea confirms first outbreak of Marburg virus disease

MALABO: There has been a first outbreak of the Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea after killing at least nine people, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.

On February 7, the public health center reported a disease of unknown cause causing hemorrhagic fever. With the support of the WHO, the relevant samples were sent to a laboratory in Senegal to determine the cause of the disease. The lab tested for the Marburg virus in one of the submitted samples.

As of the 13th, there are 9 deaths in Korea and 16 suspected cases. If suspected, symptoms include fever, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. WHO worked with local health ministries to trace and isolate relevant contacts while providing medical care to people with relevant symptoms. WHO said experts in epidemiology, case management and infection prevention were mobilized to help countries respond to the disease.

WHO said it would also help provide supplies such as test kits to test for the virus, including protective equipment for 500 health workers.

Macidiso Muti, WHO regional director for Africa, said the emergency response could be swiftly and fully implemented thanks to the country's swift and decisive action to confirm the outbreak.

According to the official website of the World Health Organization (WHO), Marburg virus disease is a serious disease caused by the Marburg virus, with an average mortality rate of about 50%, and is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids or organs of an infected person. . There is currently no approved vaccine or effective treatment for this virus. (more)