Marburg virus in Ethiopia: First human cases discovered!

Marburg virus in Ethiopia: First human cases discovered!

An outbreak of Marburg virus has been detected in Ethiopia, the first of its kind in the country. The pathogen causes a serious, often fatal illness, Marburg virus fever (MVD). According to Kleine Zeitung, the World Health Organization (WHO) informs about the alarming situation regarding the lack of approved medicines and vaccines to treat or prevent this disease.

The current outbreak is centered in the town of Jinka in the southern Ethiopia region and is among a series of infections of similar virus strains documented in other East African countries. The natural hosts of the Marburg virus are flying foxes, particularly the species Rousettus aegyptiacus, although transmission to humans can occur through contact with the body fluids of infected people or contaminated materials. This is supported by information from WHO.

Measures to combat the outbreak

To control the spread of the virus, the WHO has sent a team of experts to the affected region. Local authorities are strengthening their measures by conducting widespread investigations, treating isolated cases and implementing contact tracing. The WHO estimates the Marburg virus case fatality rate to be around 50% on average, with past outbreaks varying between 24% and 88%. However, early supportive treatment, including rehydration, can improve the chances of survival.

Symptoms of MVD include high fever, severe headache, nausea, and severe diarrhea and can progress to bloody manifestations within five days. This typically occurs between the 8th and 9th day after symptoms appear. It is important to note that the virus is not contagious in the human body before symptoms appear. Infections most often occur near colonies of flying foxes or through close contact with infected people, especially in medical facilities without strict infection control measures, according to the ECDC.

Event and international response

WHO and other health organizations emphasize the importance of community engagement to control outbreaks. In addition to contact tracing, hygiene measures and safe burial practices are also seen as essential strategies to contain the spread of the virus. Historically, Marburg virus was first discovered in Germany in 1967, and there have since been numerous outbreaks in various African countries, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola.

Although the WHO does not currently offer any approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for MVD, several clinical trials are underway that show promising approaches to combat the virus. Public health remains the focus of efforts to prevent further outbreaks of Marburg virus and protect the population.