Two cases of the deadly Marburg virus have been identified in Ghana, the first time an Ebola-like disease has been found in the West African nation.
Earlier this month, blood samples taken from two people in the southern Ashanti region suggested they had the Marburg virus.
Samples were sent to the Pasteur Institute of Senegal, which confirmed the diagnosis, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) said. “This is the first time Ghana has confirmed Marburg virus disease,” said GHS chief Patrick Kuma-Aboagye.
There is no treatment or vaccine for Marburg, which is almost as deadly as Ebola. Its symptoms include high fever as well as internal and external hemorrhages.
Ninety-eight people identified as contact cases were in quarantine, according to the GHS statement, which notes that no other cases of Marburg in Ghana have yet been detected.
The World Health Organization declared Ghana’s first outbreak. “Health authorities have responded quickly and have begun to prepare for a possible outbreak,” said WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti.
“This is good because without immediate and decisive action, Marburg can be easily out of control. The WHO is on the ground supporting the health authorities and now that the outbreak is being declared, we are gathering more resources for the response.”
The WHO said Guinea had confirmed a single case in an outbreak reported in September 2021.
According to the WHO, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases of Marburg in Africa have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda.
Marburg virus can be spread from infected animals, including bats.
“Therefore, the public is advised to avoid caves inhabited by bat colonies and to cook all meat products thoroughly before consuming them,” the Ghanaian health authorities advised.
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In addition, anyone who is identified as having been in contact with patients, including medical staff, should be isolated.
Viral disease affects patients suddenly, with high fever and severe headaches. According to the WHO, mortality rates in confirmed cases have ranged from 24% to 88% in previous outbreaks, depending on the strain of the virus and case management.