The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday declared an finish to the Marburg virus outbreak in Equatorial Guinea after practically 4 months.
The outbreak, which was declared on Feb. 13, was the primary of its variety within the Central African nation.
“The outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in Equatorial Guinea ended today with no new cases reported over the past 42 days after the last patient was discharged from treatment,” the WHO stated in an announcement.
Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, stated whereas outbreak-prone illnesses proceed to pose a serious well being risk in Africa, the area’s rising experience in well being emergency response gives hope that they will act shortly and decisively to safeguard well being and avert widespread lack of life.
“The hard work by Equatorial Guinea’s health workers and support by partner organizations have been crucial in ending this outbreak. WHO continues to work with countries to improve measures to detect and respond effectively to disease outbreaks,” Moeti stated.
At least 17 laboratory-confirmed instances and 12 deaths had been recorded after 5 districts in 4 of Equatorial Guinea’s eight provinces had been affected.
“All the 23 probable cases reported died. Four patients recovered from the virus and have been enrolled in a survivors program to receive psychosocial and other post-recovery support,” the WHO stated.
Bata district within the western Litoral province was the worst hit, with 11 laboratory-confirmed instances reported primarily carefully linked both by way of social gatherings and networks or geographically.
Marburg is a extremely infectious viral hemorrhagic fever in the identical household because the extra well-known Ebola virus illness.
Marburg is transmitted to individuals from fruit bats and spreads amongst people by way of direct contact with the bodily fluids of contaminated individuals, surfaces and supplies.
Source: www.anews.com.tr