The Marburg virus epidemic in Equatorial Guinea, which devastated this country two months ago, caused the death of ten people, according to provisional data provided by the Ministry of Health.
“No cases have been reported in the last 48 hours, there are 14 positive cases and 10 hospitalized, including two confirmed and eight suspected,” the ministry said in a statement released on Sunday.
One new death was reported, bringing to ten the provisional number of deaths since the outbreak of this virus, considered a cousin of Ebola and almost as deadly.
A total of “604 people” who had contact with the virus are being monitored, compared with 825 who were under surveillance on March 30, the ministry said.
Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged Equatorial Guinea to report cases of the Marburg virus due to fears of more widespread contamination than previously thought.
The UN agency was alarmed by a possible “large-scale epidemic” that could affect neighboring Gabon and Cameroon.
Cases were reported outside of Kié-Ntem province, where it caused the first known deaths, on January 7, reaching Bata, the country’s economic capital.
The WHO announced the dispatch of “additional experts” to this member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), saying that it was “also helping Gabon and Cameroon to strengthen the preparedness and response to the epidemic.”
Tanzania announced, 15 days ago, the start of a Marburg epidemic, with five deaths.
The virus is transmitted to humans by fruit bats and is spread to humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or with surfaces and materials. The case fatality rate is up to 88%.
There is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for the virus. However, supportive care (oral or intravenous rehydration) and treatment of specific symptoms increase the chances of survival.
Source: TSF
