The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first outbreak of Marburg disease in Equatorial Guinea, with at least nine deaths attributed to the Ebola-related virus. The confirmation came after samples from Equatorial Guinea were sent to a lab in Senegal. Marburg is highly infectious, and as a result, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, has praised the Equatorial Guinean authorities for their rapid and decisive action in confirming the disease, which will enable emergency response to commence quickly to save lives and halt the virus. The illness caused by Marburg virus begins suddenly, with high fever, severe headache, and severe malaise, and many patients develop severe hemorrhagic symptoms within a week. Currently, there are no authorized vaccines or drugs to treat Marburg, but rehydration treatment can alleviate symptoms and improve the chances of survival.
