In early July, two cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD), a disease nearly as deadly as Ebola, were reported in Ghana.
According to the WHO, although Marburg and Ebola are caused by two different viruses, the two diseases are clinically similar. Both are rare and have the ability to cause outbreaks with high mortality.
Infection results from prolonged exposure in mines or caves with bat colonies.
Transmission is person-to-person and results from direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or body fluids of infected people, or with surfaces and materials (eg, bedding or clothing) contaminated with these fluids.
Symptoms
The period between infection and the onset of symptoms varies from 2 to 21 days.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headache and fainting. Muscle aches are common. Abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting may occur on the third day. Diarrhea can last for a week.
Between the fifth and seventh day, many patients may experience severe hemorrhagic manifestations in the vomitus or stools, along with nosebleeds.
The average mortality is about 50%, ranging from 24 to 88%. There is currently no approved treatment that can cure the virus. However, it is possible to improve patient survival with treatments such as oral or intravenous rehydration. Several treatments are currently being developed.
The situation in Ghana
An outbreak of Marburg fever has been detected in Ghana, while West Africa has been case-free, except for one case in Guinea in 2021. Currently, 98 people are considered contacts and are in isolation. No cases of Marburg fever have yet been detected among these contact cases.
So far, two unrelated men have had Marburg fever. With symptoms including diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting, the two men, aged 26 and 51, died.
WHO actions
WHO is working to prevent outbreaks of Marburg virus disease by monitoring the disease and assisting at-risk countries in developing contingency plans.
When an outbreak is detected, WHO acts by supporting surveillance, community mobilization, case management, laboratory testing, contact tracing, infection control, logistics and training, and helping to ensure safe burial.
A team of WHO experts has been sent to Ghana to support local health authorities. Experts coordinate and assess risks and preventive measures to be taken.
WHO has also published detailed guidance on the prevention and control of Marburg virus disease.
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