Marburg Virus Outbreaks
Two simultaneous Marburg virus outbreaks
Marburg virus is currently experiencing two simultaneous outbreaks, one in Tanzania and the other in Equatorial Guinea, a situation that has not been seen before. Marburg is a filovirus related to Ebola, but it has been rare until now. The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a health alert on the potential for imported cases to the US, but the risk is still low.
Concerns over the official number of Marburg virus cases in Equatorial Guinea
The situation in Equatorial Guinea is particularly worrying, with suspected deaths from Marburg being discovered in two villages in the north of the country, and 15 confirmed cases reported. However, there are concerns that the actual number of cases may be higher than the official tally, and the virus may be spreading undetected in the country.
Marburg virus more deadly than Ebola
Marburg virus is much more dangerous than Ebola because there is no vaccine or post-exposure treatment. The WHO is ready to test vaccine candidates in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania.
No vaccine for Marburg virus
National health authorities in Africa are more actively and efficiently looking for potential outbreaks, although this may suggest that Marburg virus outbreaks in the past may have been missed.
Increased human exposure to animals' natural habitats increases the risk of new diseases spreading
The encroachment of humans into animals' natural habitats increases the risk of new diseases spreading.
Marburg virus less transmissible than Covid-19
Marburg virus is less transmissible than Covid-19, and the chances of a global pandemic are much lower.
Seibt, S. (2023, April 12). 'Unprecedented’ situation as two African countries report outbreaks of Marburg virus. France 24. https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20230412-unprecedented-situation-as-outbreaks-of-marburg-virus-appear-in-two-african-countries“Without the 2014 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, we wouldn’t have an Ebola vaccine,”
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