Marburg Virus: Nine dead in Equatorial Guinea

As a result of testing positive for the Marburg virus, one of the worst diseases in the world, nine people have died in Equatorial Guinea.

The Marburg virus, which is similar to Ebola in that it causes bleeding to death in its victims, has an 88% mortality rate.

According to the World Health Organization, anyone with symptoms is being compelled to isolate themselves in order to help control the deadly outbreak, which has already infected sixteen individuals (WHO).

According to The Independent, it would be the virus's first discovery in the nation of central Africa.

According to Health Minister Mitoha Ondo'o Ayekaba, health officials are rushing to contain the illness as the nation has isolated more than 200 people and limited travel.

Movement along the borders of two neighbouring nations, Cameroon and Gabon, has also been regulated.

On February 7, when a mystery ailment that caused haemorrhagic fever killed seven persons in Kie Ntem, local health officials first issued the alert.

Initial examinations determined the Marburg virus was to blame.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said: “Marburg is highly infectious. Thanks to the rapid and decisive action by the Equatorial Guinean authorities in confirming the disease, emergency response can get to full steam quickly so that we save lives and halt the virus as soon as possible.”

Most people who contract the illness experience significant internal bleeding within a week, including bleeding from the gums, nose, vagina, and in the vomit and faeces, and many go on to succumb soon after.

According to the WHO, the virus spreads between people by direct contact with bodily fluids, surfaces, and materials and is introduced to humans by fruit bats.

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