Six additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) have been reported in Equatorial Guinea, bringing the total to 15 laboratory-confirmed and 23 probable cases since the declaration of the outbreak on 13 February 2023. Among the laboratory confirmed there are 11 deaths (Case Fatality Ratio 78.6%; for one confirmed case the outcome is unknown), and all probable cases are dead. WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health by strengthening different response pillars, including but not limited to surveillance, including at points of entry; laboratory; case management; infection prevention and control; risk communication and community engagement.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed eight more cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), a highly-fatal hemorrhagic disease related to Ebola, bringing the total confirmed cases to nine with 20 more likely. Seven of the confirmed cases and all of the probable cases have led to death. The outbreak is contained within Equatorial Guinea, but the new cases are around 150 kilometers apart and close to the borders of Cameroon and Gabon, suggesting the virus is spreading. There are currently no vaccines or treatments for MVD, though there are vaccines in development that have recently passed phase 1 trials.
Tanzania has reported its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD), with eight cases and five deaths reported so far. The affected region borders three countries and Lake Victoria, increasing the risk of cross-border spread. The fatality ratio of MVD can be up to 90%, and healthcare workers are at risk of infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed Rapid Response Teams to investigate and implement interventions, including contact tracing and risk communication activities. The risk of spread is assessed as very high at the national level, high at the subregional level, and moderate at the regional level. WHO advises against any travel and trade restrictions with Tanzania.
Equatorial Guinea is facing its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD), with nine laboratory-confirmed cases and 20 probable cases reported since February 2023. The virus has a high case-fatality ratio and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids. The risk assessment is currently being reviewed, but the risk is considered very high at the national level, high at the sub-regional level, moderate at the regional level, and low at the global level. WHO has deployed experts to support national response efforts and strengthen community engagement in the response.
Tanzania has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in the country's northwest Kagera region, with eight people developing symptoms of the highly virulent disease. Five of the eight confirmed cases have died, including a health worker, and the remaining three are being treated. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with the government to rapidly scale up control measures to halt the spread of the virus and end the outbreak as soon as possible. Marburg virus commonly causes hemorrhagic fever, with a high fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent.
Tanzania has confirmed its first-ever cases of Marburg Virus Disease, with five of the eight cases, including a health worker, having died. The virus causes haemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%, and is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. The virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. There are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat the virus.
