Nigeria Also Issues Marburg Virus Alert

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) today announced it is aware of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak announced in Equatorial Guinea on February 13, 2023.

As of February 24, 2023, there are no cases of MVD in Nigeria.

However, the NCDC, relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and partners have taken proactive measures to mitigate the risk of cross-border importation.

Based on available data, the overall risk of importation of the Marburg virus and the impact on the health of Nigerians has been assessed as MODERATE for the following reasons:

• The extent of the outbreak in Equatorial Guinea has not yet been ascertained.
• The likelihood of importation to Nigeria is high due to the direct flight between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
• The proximity of Equatorial Guinea to Nigeria.
• The likelihood of spread in Nigeria following importation is high due to the gatherings and travel associated with upcoming national elections.
• The case fatality rate of MVD ranges between 24 to 88%.
• MVD does not currently have an effective drug for treatment or a licensed vaccine for prevention.

The NCDC's risk assessment also shows that Nigeria has the technical, human (health workforce), and diagnostic capacity to respond effectively during an MVD outbreak.

To alert international travelers, the U.S. CDC issued a Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions alert in mid-February 2023, confirming MVD is a viral hemorrhagic fever.

Its symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, rash, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. Infection with the Marburg virus is often fatal.

Furthermore, there is no specific treatment or approved vaccine for MVD.