Marburg Virus: NCDC warns of another virus outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning that Nigeria is at moderate risk of importing the virus in the wake of the first-ever Marburg virus disease epidemic in Equatorial Guinea.

The NCDC stated that despite the lack of information regarding the size of the outbreak in Equatorial Guinea, the likelihood of it spreading to Nigeria after importation was high because of the events and travel connected with the national elections.

It added that given the direct flights between the two nations and their close vicinity, there was a significant possibility that goods would be imported into Nigeria.

On February 13, 2023, Equatorial Guinea officially declared its first-ever case of the Marburg virus sickness, which has also claimed the lives of nine people there.

The World Health Organization reports that early examinations performed after at least nine deaths in the western Kie Ntem region of the nation revealed viral hemorrhagic fever.

It is related to the virus that causes the Ebola virus sickness and is a very virulent illness that produces hemorrhagic fever and has a fatality rate of up to 88 percent.

The Marburg virus causes sudden, high fever, severe headache, and severe malaise. Within seven days, many patients experience severe hemorrhagic symptoms.

The virus is spread among people through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, infected surfaces, and infected objects. It is transmitted to humans from fruit bats.

However, the NCDC, in a press statement signed by its Director-General, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, on Friday, said, “There are currently no cases of Marburg virus disease in Nigeria, however, the NCDC, relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and partners have taken proactive measures to mitigate the risk of cross-border importation.

Source