Equatorial Guinea confirmed, on Monday February 13, its very first epidemic of Marburg virus disease, announces a press release from the World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa.
This confirmation was made following preliminary tests carried out following the deaths of at least nine people in the western province of Kie Ntem, who were found to be positive for viral haemorrhagic fever.
According to the press release, the Equatorial Guinean health authorities sent samples to the reference laboratory of the Institut Pasteur in Senegal, with the support of the WHO; the objective being to determine the cause of the disease.
Of the eight samples tested at the Institut Pasteur, one tested positive for the virus. So far, nine deaths and 16 suspected cases with symptoms including fever, fatigue, bloody vomiting and diarrhea have been reported.
In terms of response to the disease, teams have been deployed in the affected districts to find contact persons, isolate and treat people showing symptoms of the disease.
For its part, WHO has dispatched experts in epidemiology, case management, infection prevention, laboratory and risk communication to support national response efforts and ensure community collaboration to bring the outbreak under control.
“The Marburg virus is extremely contagious. Thanks to the rapid and decisive action of the Equatoguinean authorities to confirm the disease, the emergency response can quickly be put into action in order to save lives and bring the virus under control as soon as possible,” said Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director of WHO-Africa.
Marburg virus disease is a highly virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, with a case fatality rate of up to 88%. Caused by the Marburg virus, the disease begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headaches and intense malaise.
There are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments to treat the virus. However, supportive care, such as oral or intravenous rehydration, and treatment of specific symptoms increase the chances of survival, the statement said.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1049 of 15/02/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
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