Marburg virus outbreaks in Africa

Abstract

AbstractMarburg virus disease (MVD) is a zoonotic viral hemorrhagic illness, caused by a negative sense, single-stranded RNA virus which has an envelope. The Marburg virus belongs to the genus Marburgvirus of the family Filoviridae. Due to the similarities in clinical signs and symptoms seen in other viral hemorrhagic diseases, arboviral infections, and malaria, MVD is difficult to diagnose. On February 8, 2023, Equatorial Guinea declared the first case of the MVD, which was confirmed by the Institute Pasteur Laboratory, Dakar, Senegal. MVD had a fatality rate of up to 88% during this outbreak. About eight individuals who had suspected infections, as well as the individuals with the confirmed infection, passed away. This letter addresses the current and previous Marburg virus outbreaks in African nations and whether or not they may result in an epidemic. It also discusses the significance of effective biosecurity and quarantine in limiting the spread of a highly contagious illness like MVD in African population.