West Africa detects its first case of Ebola-like Marburg virus

The first case of Marburg disease has been detected in Guinea, the World Health Organisation confirmed. Known as Marburg virus, it is passed on from animal hosts to humans.

The WHO further claimed that it is carried by bats and has a fatality rate of up to 88 percent. This was found after examining samples taken from a dead patient in southern Gueckedou prefecture. 

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“The potential for the Marburg virus to spread far and wide means we need to stop it in its tracks,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

Guinea had observed the second outbreak of Ebola last year. While WHO has considered the threat “high” at the national level, it is “low” at the global level. “We are working with the health authorities to implement a swift response that builds on Guinea’s past experience and expertise in managing Ebola, which is transmitted in a similar way,” Moeti said.

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The virus was confirmed by the Guinea government in an official statement. Marburg is usually caused by exposure to caves or mines housing colonies of Rousettus bats. According to the WHO, the virus is transmissible through bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.

“We applaud the alertness and the quick investigative action by Guinea’s health workers,” Moeti said. The first case of the virus was detected back in a forested region close to Sierra Leone and Liberia borders. 

“After being initially treated at a local clinic and tested for malaria, the patient died “in the community”,” the WHO said. The WHO experts have already reported to the field to aid national health authorities, while cross border testing has been ramped up. 

The symptoms of the disease include, high fever, severe headache and discomfort.

“Fatality rates have ranged from 24 percent to 88 percent in previous outbreaks, depending on the virus strain and case management,” the WHO said.