Marburg Virus Outbreak Fatalities Reach Eleven

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea (EG) health agency today confirmed another death related to its ongoing Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak. 

As of April 10, 2023, there have been fifteen MVD cases, eleven related fatalities, and over 60 people under monitoring.

This is the first-ever outbreak of MVD in EG, located on Africa's west coast.

The index case died in early January 2023, with cases confirmed from the province of Kié-Ntem, four from the Litoral, and two from Centre- Sur provinces. These areas are about 150 kilometers apart, suggesting comprehensive virus transmission.

The U.S. CDC issued an Alert - Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions on April 6, 2023, to notify international travelers regarding EG's outbreak.

The CDC says Marburg is a viral hemorrhagic fever, with symptoms including fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, rash, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising.

As of April 11, 2023, Marburg has no approved vaccines or treatments. However, there are vaccine candidates conducting research studies.