Marburg virus case detected in Uganda

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The World Health Organization said Thursday that a case of Marburg virus disease had been detected in Uganda during enhanced surveillance for Ebola.

The case is a child age 1 year and 5 months, the WHO's emergencies director Chikwe Ihekweazu told a news conference in Geneva.

So far, no identified contacts of the case have shown symptoms, said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Marburg, a hemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans.

The virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through human-to-human transmission.

"In Uganda, no new cases of Ebola have been reported since June 21," Tedros told reporters.

"However, on Tuesday this week, Uganda notified WHO of a confirmed case of Marburg virus disease in the country's western Kyegegwa District.

"The case was identified through enhanced disease surveillance for Ebola.

"Health authorities have informed WHO that they are monitoring all identified contacts, but so far, none have shown symptoms.

"WHO is supporting investigations to determine the source of exposure, assess the public health risk and support community engagement."

Uganda has been hit by the Ebola outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to the latest figures from the WHO, there have been 20 confirmed cases in Uganda, including two confirmed deaths. Fifteen patients have recovered from the virus.

The average case fatality rate for Marburg is around 50%, though rates have varied from 24% to 88% in past outbreaks, the U.N. health agency says.

Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival.

There are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for Marburg, but a range of vaccines and drug therapies are under development.

Key medical concepts

Marburg Virus DiseaseHemorrhagic Fevers

Clinical categories

Infectious diseasesCommon illnesses & Prevention Who's behind this story?

Andrew Zinin

Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success. Full profile →

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