Guinea has recorded the first case of deadly Marburg virus disease. According to Health authorities, this is the first time the virus has been identified in the country and West Africa.
EveryEvery.ng gathered that the Marburg virus is a highly infectious disease that causes haemorrhagic fever. The virus transmits from fruit bats to people and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, materials and surfaces.
Illness begins with severe headache, high fever and general discomfort. Also, Infected patients develop severe haemorrhagic signs within seven days.
The Regional Director of the World Health Organization, WHO in Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, applauded the alertness and the quick investigative action of Guinea’s health workers after discovering the first case in the country.
Moeti said the WHO would collaborate with the health authorities to implement a swift response that builds on Guinea’s expertise in managing the Ebola outbreak.
Health authorities said efforts are underway to find the people who may have contacted the patient, adding that they would launch a public education and community mobilization to raise awareness to help curb widespread infection.
Meanwhile, Health authorities in Guinea have confirmed one death from the Marburg virus. There have been twelve major Marburg outbreaks, mostly in southern and eastern Africa, since 1967.