Marburg Virus Outbreak Confirmed in Ethiopia
Marburg virus outbreak has been confirmed in Ethiopia. For the last one week, several patients have been admitted to hospitals in southern Ethiopia with symptoms of Hemorrhagic fever.
World Health Organization Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom today confirmed the Marburg virus outbreak in Ethiopia. The WHO chief is from Ethiopia.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom said,” Ethiopia has confirmed the outbreak that has infected at least 9 people in the south of the country is of Marburg virus disease. I commend Ministry of Health, Ethiopia for its rapid and transparent response to the outbreak, and the work of the Ethiopia Public Health Institute and regional health authorities. This fast action demonstrates the seriousness of the country’s commitment to bringing the outbreak under control quickly.”
There is no WHO approved vaccine against the virus. No specific treatment exists to treat the patients. Only preventive steps can be taken. Patients can be rehydrated and specific symptoms can be treated. Ethiopian Ministry of Health on Thursday issued guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. Marburg virus rapidly spreads through human to human contact.
According to Ethiopian health ministry officials, most of the deaths so far occurred in Jinka, southern Ethiopia where at least five people including health officials died in the last one week. Reportedly, in Soddo and Hawassa too, infected patients have been found.
According to WHO guidelines “MVD begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. Muscle aches and pains are a common feature. Severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting can begin on the third day. Non-itchy rash have been reported in patients between 2 and 7 days after onset of symptoms.”
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