Marburg Virus Outbreak Confirmed in Ghana | Symptoms, Treatment, Death Rate of Ebola-Like Disease

Ghana has confirmed two cases of the deadly and highly contagious Marburg virus, which belongs to the same virus family as the one that causes Ebola.

Both Marburg Virus Ghana patients recently passed away in a hospital in the southern Ashanti area, according to a BBC report.

Two patients' samples had a positive preliminary analysis, but they were sent to the Institute Pasteur in Dakar, Senegal, for final confirmation. which U.N. The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in Ghana's findings were supported by a health agency lab, according to a statement released by WHO on Sunday.

In a statement reported by Reuters, Ghana Health Service (GHS)."Further testing at the Institute Pasteur in Dakar, Senegal has corroborated the results."

A 26-year-old man who entered a hospital on June 26 and passed away on June 27 was the first case. The second patient was a 51-year-old man admitted to the hospital on June 28 and passed away the same day, according to WHO, which also noted that both patients went to the same hospital for treatment.

Before passing away at the hospital, the two patients in southern Ghana's Ashanti area both experienced symptoms like diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting, according to the WHO.

Health Authorities Swift Response for Possible Virus Outbreak

WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr. Matshidiso Moeti claimed that health authorities "have responded swiftly, getting a head start preparing for a possible outbreak."

"This is good because, without immediate and decisive action, Marburg can easily get out of hand. WHO is on the ground supporting health authorities, and now that the outbreak is declared, we are marshaling more resources for the response," Moeti said, per Global News.

Health officials in the West African nation say 98 people are now under quarantine as suspected contact Marburg Virus Ghana cases.

After Guinea reported a single case discovered in August, this epidemic marks only the second time the disease has been detected in West Africa. Five weeks later, the outbreak in Guinea was officially declared.

According to the WHO, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda have all experienced past outbreaks and isolated cases. Seven individuals perished in the first Marburg outbreak in Germany in 1967.

The international health organization said Angola saw the bloodiest outbreak on record in 2005 when the virus claimed more than 200 lives.

What Are the Symptoms of Marburg Infection?

Marburg Virus can potentially be extremely dangerous and lethal, with case fatality rates in prior outbreaks ranging from 24 to 88%.

According to the WHO, Marburg Virus is disseminated among humans by direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons, surfaces, and materials. It is transferred to humans from fruit bats.

Marburg Virus is a serious illness that frequently results in death and has symptoms like headache, fever, muscle pains, vomiting blood, and bleeding.

Although there is currently no cure for Marburg Virus, doctors advise addressing certain symptoms and drinking lots of fluids to increase a patient's chance of survival.

Government representatives are advising the public to stay away from caves and to thoroughly prepare any meat items before eating them.