The World Health Organization (WHO) has refused to impose travel or trade restrictions in Equatorial Guinea due to the Marburg virus outbreak, which has already resulted in nine deaths in the African country.

According to a WHO report released this Saturday, as of February 21, Equatorial Guinea has registered nine cases (all deceased): one confirmed, four probable, and four suspected. So far, no cases of infection have been registered among the medical staff, but 34 contacts are currently being monitored.

According to the information operated WHOnine of the deceased were in contact with a relative with the same symptoms or participated in the burial of a person with symptoms compatible with the disease. Marburg virus.

Despite everything, they do not rule out that “all cases have been identified, so there may be transmission chains which have not been traced.

In addition, the International Health Organization United Nations indicates that cross-border population movement is “frequent” and the borders are “very transparent” between Ebebyin and Nsok-Nsomo districts (Equatorial Guinea), Cameroon and Gabon. “This represents spread risk across the border,” they warn.

Based on all these data, WHO considers that the risk associated with flash it is “high” at the national level, “moderate” at the regional level, and “low” at the global level.

Equatorial Guinea has reported an outbreak of Marburg virus for the first time. The last outbreak was in Ghana in 2022 (3 confirmed cases). Other outbreaks have previously been reported in Guinea (2021), Uganda (2017, 2014, 2012, 2007), Angola (2004-2005), Democratic Republic of the Congo (1998 and 2000), Kenya (1990, 1987, 1980) and South Africa (1975).

Given that this is the first outbreak of Marburg in Equatorial Guinea, the WHO says its ability to control the outbreak is “insufficient”.

In its report, the WHO recalls that marburg virus mortality from it reaches 88 percent. The virus was initially discovered in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia.

the bats The frugivorous ‘Rousettus aegyptiacus’ are thought to be the natural hosts of the Marburg virus, from which it is transmitted to humans.

This may interest you > WHO reports new Ebola outbreak; start vaccination in Congo

He the virus is transmitted from person to person through direct contact (through damage to the skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected people, as well as with surfaces and materials (bed linen, clothing, etc.) contaminated by these fluids.

The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days. disease The onset is acute, with high fever, severe headache, and severe general malaise. From the third day, severe watery diarrhea, pain and cramps in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting may appear.

Europe Press