NewsDesk @bactiman63

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea reported an additional confirmed Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) case, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 15.

In addition, another fatality has been reported, bringing that total to 11.

Including the 20 probable cases (all fatal), 31 total deaths have been reported.

Bata district, in the northwest part of the country,  has reported the most confirmed cases with nine, including six deaths. The remaining cases are reported in three districts in varying locations across the country.

This is Equatorial Guinea’s first MVD outbreak. The health ministry declared an outbreak on February 13.

Subscribe to Outbreak News TV on YouTube

Marburg virus disease is a highly virulent disease that causes haemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%. It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. Many patients develop severe hemorrhagic symptoms within seven days. 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. However, supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival.