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WHO Declares End of Marburg Virus Outbreak in Equatorial Guinea

© AP Photo / Michael ProbstA laboratory worker simulates the workflow in a cleanroom of the BioNTech Corona vaccine production in Marburg, Germany, during a media day on Saturday, March 27, 2021.
A laboratory worker simulates the workflow in a cleanroom of the BioNTech Corona vaccine production in Marburg, Germany, during a media day on Saturday, March 27, 2021.  - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 08.06.2023
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The outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease, declared on February 13, was the first of its kind in Equatorial Guinea. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease, which is similar to Ebola but considerably more dangerous, has a fatality ratio of up to 88%.
The UN health agency has declared an end to a Marburg outbreak in Equatorial Guinea that has resulted in deaths of 12 people since February this year, when it was first confirmed.

"The outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in Equatorial Guinea ended today with no new cases reported over the past 42 days after the last patient was discharged from treatment," the WHO said in a statement.

It was noted that WHO deployed experts in epidemiology, clinical management, and health operations in Equatorial Guinea in order to support the nation's response to the outbreak.

“The hard work by Equatorial Guinea’s health workers and support by partner organizations has been crucial in ending this outbreak. WHO continues to work with countries to improve measures to detect and respond effectively to disease outbreaks," said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

According to WHO, a total of 17 laboratory-confirmed cases and 12 deaths were recorded in Equatorial Guinea. However, the death toll is likely to have been higher as all 23 people who came into contact with infected without being tested died. Four patients recovered from the virus and have been enrolled in a survivors program. They are receiving psychosocial and other post-recovery support.
Marburg is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola Virus Disease. There are at present no vaccines or treatments for the disease, which is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads between people via open wounds.
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