2023-04-18 17:34:58
The total number of cases now stands at 16, including 11 deaths according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
On Saturday, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded six new cases of the Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea. ” There are now a total of 16 laboratory-confirmed cases of Marburg. Among these cases, 11 people died “, declared during a hybrid press conference from Geneva (Switzerland), the Director General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
This Tuesday, a new case was reported in a health worker in Bata who was under surveillance due to exposure to a previous case. ” The case was detected on the day of illness onset and received antiviral therapy according to government protocol, which is supported by WHO added Dr. Tedros.
Faced with the rapid spread of the virus, WHO calls on all partners to remain vigilant as there may be undetected chains of transmission of Marburg disease in the country.
A total of 23 probable cases have been reported since the outbreak was declared on February 13. The most affected area is that of Bata, in the Littoral province. This district reports 9 cases of Marburg.
With its partners, WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health to strengthen surveillance in affected areas and increase laboratory capacity. ” We are also working together to improve Marburg’s case management, infection prevention and control, protection of healthcare workers and caregivers, achieving safe and dignified burials, and community engagement. community around risk and security said Mr. Tedros.
The UN World Health Agency is also working with neighboring countries to prepare for any imports. For the WHO, it is of a critical moment in the response to the Marburg outbreak in Equatorial Guinea, and it will take an all-of-government and all-of-society effort to stop this outbreak ».
Marburg disease is transmitted to humans by fruit bats and is spread among humans through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people, contaminated surfaces and objects.
Very virulent, it causes a hemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of up to 88%. The virus belongs to the same family as that responsible for Ebola virus disease.
There are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments to treat the virus. However, supportive care – oral or intravenous rehydration – and treatment of specific symptoms improve the chances of survival.
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