Regarding the cases of Marburg virus disease recorded in Equatorial Guinea and other African countries, the Ministry of Health informs that the Medical and Public Health Services are closely monitoring the data on the course of the virus and there will be a further announcement to inform citizens if necessary.
Confirmed cases have so far only been reported in Kie Ntem province in Equatorial Guinea (https:/wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/marburg-equatorial-guinea).
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with local health authorities to identify cases and conduct contact tracing.
MarburgHemorrhagic fever virus belongs to the same family as Ebola, the other pathogen that causes hemorrhagic fever. It is basically a zoonosis, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. However, it can also be transmitted from human to human, mainly after contact with blood or secretions of patients.
According to the US CDC the risk level for travellers is at the lowest level and it is recommended that those visiting the affected area should:
- Avoid contact with sick people who have symptoms such as fever, muscle pain and rash.
- Avoid contact with blood and other body fluids.
- Avoid contact with fruit bats and the caves and mines where they live.
- Avoid contact with primates (e.g. chimpanzees).
- Travelers to this area should isolate themselves and seek medical attention immediately if they develop fever, chills, muscle pain, rash, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising during or after travel (up to 21 days).
It is stressed that the Medical Services have recently updated the relevant protocols and the action plan for the management of haemorrhagic fever cases.
(AF)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
