Department of Medical Sciences Confirm readiness to test for Marburg virus genetic material, get results within 8 hours, ask people not to be too worried because contact is not easy Air contact has not yet been found. Most of the patients are severely ill. cannot come out and infect
Dr. Suphakit Sirilak, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences The Ministry of Public Health (Sor.) revealed that the Marburg virus outbreak data on February 13, 2023 according to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, which is the first reported outbreak in the Republic. Equatorial Guinea has nine deaths and 25 confirmed cases. There have been reports of major outbreaks. In the Republic of the Congo and Angola, Marburg virus disease Severe symptoms and high mortality rate Close to Ebola virus disease Causing the need to closely monitor this outbreak
Department of Medical Sciences by the Institute of Public Health Sciences There has been continuous preparation for the situation of severe contagious disease outbreaks. Since the Ebola virus outbreak in October 65 However, this Marburg virus belongs to the same group as the Ebola virus. and have similar pathogenesis In carrying out laboratory analysis, therefore, they are similar. It will use the detection of the germ’s genetic material by molecular biology techniques. With high sensitivity and specificity (RT PCR), the result can be obtained within 8 hours following receiving the sample.
operation section with examples A biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory will be used, which is equipped to work with highly dangerous pathogens. There is a circulation system that prevents dangerous pathogens from spreading to the outside environment. Personnel undergo biosecurity training. to be ready for the outbreak situation and able to work with specimens correctly and safely
therefore ensuring the safety of those involved both workers in the laboratory And the people as well that there will be no dangerous pathogens that will definitely escape into the environment.
At the same time, the department has prepared a method consisting of specific reagents as a standard for diagnosis. For testing the genetic material of viruses that cause severe Marburg hemorrhagic fever, including Ebola and Lassa fever.
Dr. Supakit continued that in the event of a patient suspected of being infected with the Marburg virus in a hospital. to the staff to coordinate the Epidemiological Division Office of Disease Prevention and Control or the Provincial Public Health Office to investigate the disease and plan to coordinate with the Department of Medical Sciences In obtaining specimens for testing, which uses blood (EDTA Whole Blood) to detect the genetic material of the virus and serum (Serum) in case of detecting antiviral immunity
For details and guidance on how to manage specimens can be studied from the Ebola virus disease diagnostic manual and the Middle East Respiratory Virus in the laboratory. and a manual for the Department of Medical Sciences Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory Network. which will benefit hospital laboratories. and public health personnel involved to be used as references in their work
