MARBURG: WHO Says Equatorial Guinea Confirms 1st Outbreak Of Marburg

DAKAR, Senegal — The World Health Organization has confirmed that Equatorial Guinea has its first-ever case of the viral disease. At least nine deaths have been linked to this virus, which is related to Ebola.

In a statement released on Monday, the UN Health Organization confirmed that there was an epidemic. Last week, a local health official sent Equatorial Guinea samples to a Senegal lab to find out what caused the disease.

The WHO says that there have been nine deaths and 16 possible cases with symptoms like fever, tiredness, diarrhea, and vomiting. The agency stated that it was sending medical experts to assist officials in Equatorial Guinea in stopping the outbreak and protective equipment for hundreds of workers.

Marburg evolves From Bats.

Like Ebola, the virus comes from bats and spreads from one person to another through close contact with their bodily fluids or surfaces, such as a contaminated bed sheet. Without treatment, up to 88% of people will die from Marburg.

The rare virus was discovered in 1967 after causing disease outbreaks, in Germany and Belgrade, Serbia laboratories. Seven people died after being exposed to the virus while conducting monkey research.

No approved vaccines or drugs exist to treat Marburg, but rehydration treatment to relieve symptoms can improve survival chances.

Marburg killed 90% of the 252 people infected in an Angolan outbreak in 2004. In Ghana, two Marburg deaths were reported last year.

SOURCE – (AP)