In early July, two cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD), a disease almost as deadly as Ebola, were reported in Ghana.
According to the WHO, although Marburg and Ebola are caused by two different viruses, the two diseases are clinically similar. Both are rare and have the ability to cause outbreaks with a high mortality rate.
The infection results from prolonged exposure to mines or caves with bat colonies.
Transmission is human-to-human and results from direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or body fluids from infected people, or from surfaces and materials (e.g., bedding or clothing) contaminated with these fluids.
Symptoms
The period between infection and the onset of symptoms ranges from 2 to 21 days.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headache and fainting. Muscle aches and pains are common. On the third day, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting may appear. Diarrhea can persist for a week.
Between the fifth and seventh day, many patients may experience severe hemorrhagic manifestations in vomiting or feces, along with nosebleeds.
The average mortality rate is around 50%, which ranges from 24 to 88%. There is currently no approved treatment that can cure the virus. However, it is possible to improve patient survival through treatments such as oral or intravenous rehydration. Several treatments are currently being developed.
Situation in Ghana
An outbreak of Marburg fever has been detected in Ghana, while West Africa had been free of cases except for one case in Guinea in 2021. Currently, 98 people are considered contacts and are isolated. No cases of Marburg fever have yet been detected among these contact cases.
So far, two unrelated men have had Marburg fever. With symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting, the two men, aged 26 and 51, have both died.
WHO actions
The WHO is working to prevent outbreaks of Marburg virus disease by controlling the disease and helping countries at risk to develop emergency plans.
When an outbreak is detected, WHO acts by supporting monitoring, community mobilization, case management, laboratory testing, contact monitoring, infection control, logistics and training, and assisting. to ensure a safe burial.
A team of WHO experts has been sent to Ghana to support local health authorities. Experts are coordinating and assessing the risks and preventive measures to be taken.
The WHO has also published a detailed guide on the prevention and control of Marburg virus disease.
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