The World Health Organization identified a case of Marburg disease in Guinea on Monday, the first in West Africa of the devastating virus that is related to Ebola and, like Covid-19, spreads from animal hosts to humans.
The virus, which is spread by bats and has an 88 percent mortality rate, was discovered in samples collected from a patient who died on August 2 in southern Gueckedou prefecture, according to the WHO.
“We need to stop the Marburg virus in its tracks because it has the potential to spread far and wide,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
The discovery comes just two months after the World Health Organization declared the end of Guinea’s second Ebola outbreak, which began last year and claimed the lives of 12 people.
The WHO, in Geneva, stated that the threat was “high” at the national and regional levels, but “low” internationally.
“We’re working with the health authorities to put in place a quick reaction that builds on Guinea’s previous experience and skill in dealing with Ebola, which is spread in a similar manner,” Moeti added.
In a statement, the Guinean authorities acknowledged the Marburg case.
The Marburg virus is usually linked to exposure to Rousettus bat colonies in tunnels or mines. According to the WHO, once a human has contracted the disease, it is spread by contact with infected people’s bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces and items.
