Another new virus is causing chaos in the world. An outbreak of Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea is a cause for concern.
First Published Feb 14, 2023, 5:11 PM IST
Another new virus is causing chaos in the world. An outbreak of Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea is a cause for concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that at least nine people have died due to the spread of the virus. The virus is said to cause hemorrhagic fever (which can cause severe, potentially life-threatening illness) similar to Ebola. Equatorial Guinea confirmed its first outbreak on Monday (local time) after samples from nine people tested positive for the Marburg virus, WHO said in a statement.
Advance teams have been deployed in affected districts to identify contacts, isolate and provide medical care to people showing symptoms of the virus. WHO is making efforts to deploy health emergency experts in epidemiology, case management, infection prevention, laboratory and risk communication to support efforts to control the spread of the virus. A viral hemorrhagic fever kit containing personal protective equipment that can be used by 500 health workers is also being prepared to transport laboratory glove tents for testing samples.
”Marburg is a serious epidemic. Thanks to the swift, decisive action of the Equatorial Guinea authorities in diagnosing the disease. We save lives by undertaking emergency response quickly. We will stop the spread of the virus as soon as possible,” said WHO Africa Regional Director Dr. Matshidiso.
And, according to WHO, Marburg virus disease is the most serious disease with a mortality rate of up to 88 percent. It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Marburg virus causes sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, and severe illness. Most patients may develop severe bleeding symptoms within seven days.
This virus is transmitted from fruit bats to humans. The virus spreads between humans through direct contact with bodily fluids, surfaces, and materials of infected individuals. So far no vaccines or treatments have been found to treat this virus. But there is supportive care to combat this virus.
