“Deadly Marburg Virus”
17 suspected cases have been identified in the South Ginka city area, and another 129 contacts are being traced. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health announced three deaths due to the “deadly Marburg virus.”
The World Health Organization clarified that the genetic analysis conducted by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute showed that the virus is from the same strain as the virus that appeared in previous outbreaks in other East African countries. It added that nine cases were reported in the outbreak that hit Ginka city in southern Ethiopia.
Will it spread to Egypt?
The spread of the virus in Ethiopia has raised concerns in Egypt, with many wondering about the possibility of it reaching the country. However, Egyptian health authorities have confirmed to local media that the situation is under control and that the possibility of infection is very low, because the virus is transmitted through direct contact between patients.
What is the Marburg virus?
The “deadly Marburg virus” is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever, often fatal. The virus belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus, and both cause sudden severe fever, headache, and bleeding that begins about a week after symptoms appear. The disease is usually transmitted to humans from fruit bats, and can be spread by contact with body fluids or contaminated materials.
Is there a vaccine for the Marburg virus?
Unlike Ebola, there is no vaccine available for the “Marburg virus,” which has an average mortality rate of 50%, and may reach 88% in some outbreaks.
According to the World Health Organization, outbreaks and sporadic cases of the “Marburg virus” have been reported in Angola, Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
(Al Mashhad)
