2021 Marburg virus disease outbreak in Guinea

The 2021 Marburg outbreak in Guinea is a current outbreak of the Marburg virus. There is currently 1 patient who already died due to Marburg's disease.

Timeline

The index case got the first symptoms at the 25th of July. The index case died on the 2th of August. At the 3th of August, a PCR test has been conducted and at the 5th of August, the test was positive on Marburg's disease. At the 6th of August, the WHO was informed of the first case. At the 9th of August, the Institut Pasteur Dakar in Senegal provided reconfirmation that the result was positive on Marburg.

Responses

There is currently contact tracing ongoing together with active case searching in health facilities and the community level.

WHO risk assessment and advice

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a highly virulent, epidemic-prone disease, associated with a high case-fatility ratio of 24-90%. In the early phase of the disease, it is hard to distinguish the disease from other diseases. There are no medicines or vaccine against the Marburg virus. There is a high risk issued for the country. The global risk is low.

The advice is for health workers to maintain standard precautions. Close contact with Marburg patients should be avoided. It is advised to transfer suspected cases to a health facility for treatment and isolation. Regular hand hygiene should be performed after visiting someone who is sick. Leaders and health workers in communities affected by Marburg, should make efforts to ensure that the population is well informed. This refers to informing the community of both the nature of the disease, to avoid further transmission, community stigmatization and encourage early presentation to treatment centers and other necessary outbreak containment measures, including safe burial of the dead. People who have died from Marburg should be promptly and safely buried. Handle wildlife in conjunction with regular hand hygiene and where possible with gloves and other appropriate protective clothing. Cook animal products (blood and meat) thoroughly before consumption and avoid consumption of raw meat. During work or research activities or tourist visits in mines or caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies, people should wear masks and gloves.

The WHO advises against any restriction of travel and trade to and from Guinea.