The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be deploying personnel to help combat the surge of the deadly Marburg virus in Africa. The agency has also issued a warning to travelers in the two African countries where the virus has been surging.
Marburg Virus Outbreak in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania
As per the New York Post, no outbreaks of the deadly virus had been reported in Tanzania or Guinea before.
The case was first reported in Guinea on February 7. The New York Post also adds that Equatorial Guinea's Ministry of Health and Social Welfare revealed that eight people from two different villages passed away all on the same day.
As of March 21, there were 20 more reports of probable cases and another reported fatality.
Tanzania, on the other hand, has had eight reported Marburg virus cases, which include five fatalities, since March 16. The first documented Marburg case in Tanzania transmitted the virus to his village after he traveled from Goziba Island.
The Daily Mail notes that both Cameroon and Gabon, which border Equatorial Guinea, are on high alert given the virus outbreak in Guinea.
The New York Post notes that the virus' entry into both countries still remains a mystery.
CDC Deploys Personnel, Warns Travelers
The CDC recently announced its plans to deploy the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases to help respond to the virus outbreaks across Tanzania and Guinea.
According to the Daily Mail, the agency also recommended travelers bound for Africa avoid getting in contact with sick individuals and healthcare facilities. The agency also advised monitoring for any probable symptoms.
The CDC also plans to put up notices in international airports to warn about Marburg symptoms. Though travel restrictions have not yet been implemented, the World Health Organization warns against any restrictions on trade or travel in Tanzania or Guinea.
Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)
The Daily Mail reports that symptoms of this Ebola-like hemorrhagic fever may include sore throat, fever, stomach pain, rash, bloody gums or nose, or random bruising. In more severe cases, the infected patient may start bleeding through body openings, such as the eyes.
Marburg virus disease can be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects. These may be things, such as needles, clothing, or medical tools. Getting in contact with animals, such as bats, can also be a source of transmission.
The death rate of the disease ranges from 25% to a whopping 90%. It has recently reached more populated parts of Equatorial Guinea and also hit the country's main transport hubs. The CDC warns that there are not yet any approved treatments or vaccines to counter the virus.
The Daily Mail notes that, presently, the risk of the virus' global spread is assessed to be low. However, it is still being seriously monitored.
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