Nine people succumb to deadly Ebola-like Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea

Nine people succumb to deadly Ebola-like Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea has declared an Ebola-like Marburg virus outbreak after nine people succumbed to the virus. A highly contagious and deadly Ebola-like virus, Marburg has no vaccine that can prevent its spread.

The outbreak was first detected among people who had attended a funeral ceremony in Kie-Ntem province, close to Cameroon and Gabon. Around 16 other people in Kie-Ntem had shown symptoms including fever and vomiting blood.

Local authorities have put in place blockades and restrictions along the border with Cameroon to prevent the spread of the virus. The WHO has also dispatched specialised teams to support local authorities in the country.

Marburg virus can cause severe fever accompanied by bleeding. The virus affects several organs and reduces the body’s ability to function on its own.