West Africa reports cases of Marburg Virus Disease

The Republic of Guinea through its Ministry of Health (MoH) has recently reported a confirmed death due to Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in the southern Guéckédou prefecture. This marks the first report of MVD in the country and the Western Africa Region. A total of 155 contacts have been identified and are currently being monitored. MVD is a highly fatal, zoonotic haemorrhagic disease caused by the Marburg virus. Human to human transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids from infected persons, or contact with equipment and other materials contaminated with infectious blood or tissues infected blood, body fluids of infected people, and contaminated surfaces or materials. No vaccine or specific treatment for MVD is available. Supportive therapy should be initiated for any individuals presenting with MVD. Ebola or other viral haemorrhagic fever infection prevention and control protocols should be used to prevent transmission.