Conakry, Guinea – (African Boulevard News) – Two countries in Africa, Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, have been hit by the Marburg virus disease (MVD) in separate outbreaks that began in February and March, respectively. The situation has prompted a swift response from health authorities to contain the spread of the virus, which has claimed many lives so far.
In Equatorial Guinea, 17 laboratory-confirmed MVD cases and 23 probable cases have been reported between February 13 to May 1, 2023. Out of the confirmed cases, 12 people have died from the disease. The most affected province is Kie-Ntem, where most of the cases have been reported. Similarly, in Tanzania, the outbreak, which began in March, has claimed the lives of 5 people and infected 9 more.
Marburg virus disease is a rare and severe hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, which belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. It spreads through contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, sweat, and saliva of infected people or animals. The virus first appeared in Marburg, Germany, in 1967 when scientists contaminated their laboratory with African green monkey kidneys. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in Africa.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed response teams to both countries to provide support, train local health workers, and conduct community awareness campaigns about the disease. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said in a statement, “Marburg virus disease is a highly dangerous and devastating disease with no specific treatment available. We must do everything we can to respond rapidly to contain these outbreaks before they become more widespread.”
Local health authorities have established isolation centers for patients testing positive for MVD, and contact tracing is underway to find people who may have had contact with those infected. Health workers have been provided with protective gear and trained in infection prevention and control to avoid contracting the disease.
In conclusion, the Marburg virus disease outbreak in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania is a severe public health issue that requires a swift response from health authorities to contain its spread. With the support of international organizations and the commitment of local authorities, we hope to see an end to this outbreak soon. It is also essential for the general public to take the necessary precautions to avoid contracting the disease and report any suspicious symptoms to a nearby health facility.
