Marburg Disease Outbreak, Confirms WHO: Symptoms, Treatment, and Other Details
The confirmation of the Marburg disease outbreak came from WHO, after samples from Equatorial Guinea were sent to a laboratory in Senegal.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the first-ever outbreak of Marburg disease in Equatorial Guinea, which has caused at least nine deaths in the small West African nation, is due to the Ebola-related virus. WHO confirmed the outbreak in a statement on Monday, following the submission of samples from Equatorial Guinea to a laboratory in Senegal.
According to the World Health Organization, an outbreak of Marburg disease in Equatorial Guinea has been officially confirmed. The virus, which is related to Ebola, has caused nine deaths in the country. The outbreak was confirmed after samples were sent to a lab in Senegal.
The organization reported that there are 16 suspected cases and nine deaths with symptoms including fever, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting. They are sending medical experts to assist officials in Equatorial Guinea in containing the outbreak.
What is Marburg virus?
The Marburg virus is similar to Ebola, originating from bats and is transmitted between humans through contact with infected individuals’ bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. The Centers for Disease Control describes it as a hemorrhagic fever that may result in organ damage and bleeding. It is classified as a zoonotic virus and is part of the filovirus family, which includes the six Ebola virus species, according to the CDC.
What are marburg disease symptoms?
The World Health Organization states that the incubation period for the disease ranges from 2 days to 21 days. Symptoms typically begin suddenly, with a high fever and intense headache.
According to the WHO, some patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain for up to a week. Severe cases may result in bleeding within the first week, with patients vomiting or passing blood in their stool, and experiencing bleeding from their gums, nose, and genitalia.
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