The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a deadly outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Equatorial Guinea, which is responsible for at least nine deaths in the country. The virus is a zoonotic virus that belongs to the same family of viruses as Ebola, known as filoviruses [1]. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain, which can last for up to a week. The fatality rate for Marburg virus can range from 23%-90%, and there is currently no cure or specific treatment for the disease.
However, supportive care such as rehydration and treating certain symptoms can improve the chances of survival. The WHO is monitoring the situation in Equatorial Guinea, which is not the first outbreak of Marburg virus in recent years. In Angola in 2004-2005, the virus killed 90% of the 252 people it infected. Ghana also reported two deaths due to Marburg virus last year.
It is important to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
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