Just when the world thought it was gradually winning the fight against the Corona Virus pandemic, a new and deadly viral infection has been discovered in Guinea, Western part of Africa, known as the Marburg disease.
According to the World Health Organization, the Marburg disease is highly contagious with a fatality ratio of up to 80%.
Marburg disease was first discovered in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany as well as Serbia in 1967.
The outbreak was as a result of laboratory works using green monkeys imported from Uganda. The virus is now spread via bodily fluids through unprotected sex and broken skin or surface of objects.
The virus has resurfaced in Guinea as at 9th August 2021, and it is believed to be in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease.
Health Authorities in Guinea are very worried as the country was faced with the Ebola virus in 2014-2016 which increased the county’s death toll at the time.
This virus disease also causes hemorrhagic fever and the symptoms associated with the illness is abrupt.
Symptoms includes high fever, severe headache and general body weakness. However most people develop hemorrhagic signs within seven (7) days of infection.
The virus does not have approved vaccines or antiviral treatment as at now.
Meawhile, a range of treatments can help to reduce the symptoms of the disease and increase the survival rate.
A team of 10 WHO experts are already working with the Health Authorities in Guinea to do contact tracing to prevent the spread of the virus.
We are still advised to observe all safety protocols, like washing hands regularly and social distancing.
By: Gloria Addobea Afriyie