Marburg outbreak: WHO updates disease risk assessment; understand

Monitoring continues in Equatorial Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania; the last case was the April date in these countries

In light of the outbreak of the Marburg virus – lethal and from the same family as ebola – TO Equatorial Guinea and go united republic of tanzaniadecreed respectively at the beginning of February and at the end of March, World Health Organization (WHO) said this on Monday 8, who continues to closely monitor the situation in the two African countries.

According to the WHO, health authorities in both countries have demonstrated strong political commitment. “In recent weeks, they have further strengthened critical response functions such as disease surveillance, including at points of entry; laboratory operations; clinical case management; infection prevention and control; risk communication and community engagement; operational support and logistics with support from WHO and partners,” the agency said.

As of March 2023, WHO already assesses the public health risk posed by the outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania as very high at the national level, moderate at the regional level (Africa) and low for the global risk.

A Marburg disease causes haemorrhagic fever, with a mortality rate of up to 88%, according to WHO, making it one of the deadliest viruses in the world. The picture begins abruptly, with high fever, headache and intense malaise.

Equatorial Guinea

Since the declaration of the outbreak on February 13 this year in Equatorial Guinea, a total of 17 cases have been confirmed, in addition to another 23 probable cases, as reported since May 1. Among the laboratory-confirmed cases, 12 deaths were recorded. For a confirmed case, however, the outcome of the disease is still unknown. Of all probable cases, there are no survivors.

Five districts (Bata, Ebebiyin, Evinayong, Nsok Nsomo and Nsork) in four of the country’s eight provinces (Centro Sur, Kié-Ntem, Litoral and Wele-Nzas) have reported confirmed or probable cases of the disease. According to the WHO, the most affected district is Bata, in the coastal province. In the African country, the last confirmed case was reported on April 20. Most affect women, with the age group most affected between 40 and 49 years.

Of the confirmed cases, four have recovered. “There are no confirmed cases at the treatment center since the last patient discharge on April 26. This brings the total number of survivors since the outbreak was declared to four,” the statement said. WHO.

“Among the reported cases, many are linked to a social network or by geographical proximity, however the previous presence of cases and/or groups in multiple districts without clear epidemiological links may indicate undetected transmission of the virus”, adds the institution.

WHO says it continues to support the country’s Ministry of Health in training and supporting supervision of surveillance activities, including case investigations, contact tracing and coordination with health facilities for active surveillance.

“It has also developed a readiness checklist to help neighboring countries assess their level of preparedness and identify potential gaps and concrete actions to take in the event of a possible filovirus outbreak, including in Marburg,” WHO said.

The alert center developed by the local Ministry of Health, with support from the WHO, is operational. However, the daily level of reported alerts remains low, according to the entity.

united republic of tanzania

Between 16 March and 30 April this year, nine cases were reported in the United Republic of Tanzania, including eight confirmed cases, the latest being on 11 April. Among the six reported deaths, including one probable case and five among the confirmed cases. Of the confirmed cases, three have recovered. All cases were reported in Bukoba District, Kagera Region. The outbreak was declared on March 21.

In the United Republic of Tanzania, all cases are reported in Bukoba district. The ages of cases ranged from 1 to 59 years (median 35 years), with males being the most affected, unlike the Equatorial Guinean profile. The last confirmed case was reported on 11 April.

As for surveillance, the daily level of reported alerts still remains low, according to WHO.

How it is transmitted and how it is treated

the virus of marburg it is transmitted to humans by fruit bats and is spread among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, and materials.

According to the WHO, healthcare workers have become infected while treating patients with suspected or confirmed disease.

The disease begins abruptly with high fever, intense headache, and intense malaise. Severe bleeding manifestations may appear five to seven days after the onset of symptoms. However, not all cases show signs of bleeding and fatal cases often show some type of bleeding, usually in multiple areas. Death most often occurs eight to nine days after the onset of clinical manifestations.

“Although no vaccines or antiviral treatments are approved to prevent or treat the virus, Remdesivir is being used in a modified and monitored form for emergency use in Equatorial Guinea,” WHO says, also citing supportive care – fluid rehydration oral or – and treatment of specific symptoms as measures that can improve patient survival. “A variety of potential treatments are being evaluated, including blood products, immunological therapies and drug therapies, according to the entity.”

According to the organization, this is the first reported outbreak of marburg in Equatorial Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania. Other outbreaks have previously been reported in Ghana (2022), Guinea (2021), Uganda (2017, 2014, 2012 and 2007), Angola (2004-2005), Democratic Republic of Congo (2000 and 1998), Kenya (1990, 1987 and 1980) and South Africa (1975).

WHO advises that raising awareness of risk factors for Marburg virus infection and the protective measures people can take are effective ways to help reduce human transmission. Healthcare professionals caring for patients with confirmed or suspected virus should also take extra care during treatment.

In addition, the body also advises to strengthen surveillance at points of entry in affected areas of Equatorial Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania for the identification of cases, including through exit screening, for example.

end of the epidemic

“Before initiating discussion of the 42-day countdown to declaring the end of an outbreak, it is recommended that all listed contacts of confirmed or probable cases have completed their 21-day follow-up period without symptoms. In case otherwise, there is still a chance that a contact will become a case,” says the WHO.

Once all contacts have completed their 21-day period, the date of last possible exposure to a probable or confirmed case of the virus can be set based on two possible scenarios:

– Person was a confirmed positive case. She recovered and later tested negative on two blood samples taken at least 48 hours apart. The 42-day count starts the day after the second negative PCR sample is collected.

– The person was a probable or confirmed case. He died and a burial was arranged. The count of 42 days begins the day after the burial.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.