In accordance with the WHO and the UN, a "lockdown plan" has been put in place in the Kie-Ntem province and the adjacent district of Mongomo, according to health minister Mitoha Ondo'o Ayekaba.

Marburg virus epidemic confirmed in Equatorial Guinea: what is currently known

In accordance with the WHO and the UN, a "lockdown plan" has been put in place in the Kie-Ntem province and the adjacent district of Mongomo, according to health minister Mitoha Ondo'o Ayekaba.

 

Following the deaths of at least nine persons in the province of Kie-Ntem, Equatorial Guinea has verified its first-ever Marburg virus illness outbreak, the nation's health minister announced on Monday.

 

The outbreak in the tiny nation of Western Africa was confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO). "Further investigations are being conducted. The WHO stated in a statement that advance teams have been sent in the targeted districts to track contacts, isolate, and treat patients exhibiting illness signs.

 

What is understood about the epidemic?

 

Nine deaths and 16 suspected cases have reportedly been documented thus far, according to the WHO. To yet, symptoms have included fever, exhaustion, bloody vomit, and diarrhoea.

Although only three persons had displayed "light symptoms," the government of Equatorial Guinea stated last week that it was looking into the origin of numerous suspected instances of hemorrhagic fever. The afflicted region was in a remote, forested area of eastern Africa close to the borders of Gabon and Cameroon.

In accordance with the WHO and the UN, a "lockdown plan" has been put in place in the Kie-Ntem province and the adjacent district of Mongomo, according to health minister Mitoha Ondo'o Ayekaba.

 

How dangerous is the Marburg virus?

 

The Ebola virus, which has caused havoc in a number of previous outbreaks on the African continent, and the Marburg virus are both members of the so-called.

filovirus family

It is a very deadly infection that frequently results in bleeding when it produces extreme fever. The body's capacity to function on its own is decreased as a result of the virus' constant targeting of multiple organs.

Although there are no approved vaccinations or medications to treat Marburg, rehydration therapy to ease the symptoms can increase the likelihood of survival. The virus's fatality rates can range from 24% to 88% depending on the strain and case care.

 

90% of the 252 people who contracted the virus during an epidemic in Angola in 2004 perished. Two Marburg cases last year in Ghana resulted in deaths.

 

 

 

Why is the Marburg virus so named?

 

After it simultaneously caused disease outbreaks in laboratories in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, the uncommon virus was first discovered in 1967. When the virus was spread during experiments on monkeys, seven people died.

The African fruit bat, which carries the virus but is unaffected by it, is the virus' natural carrier.

CONCLUSION

Yet, the animals are capable of infecting nearby primates, including humans, with the virus. Following that, human-to-human transmission happens when blood or other bodily fluids are in contact.