The World Health Organization reported on Friday that Ghana has announced the end of a Marburg virus illness epidemic that was discovered about two months ago and resulted in two fatalities.
The WHO said in a statement that the notification was made by the health ministry because no additional instances of the illness resembling Ebola had been documented over the previous 42 days.
Marburg, which is nearly as deadly as Ebola, has no vaccination or known cure. High temperature and both internal and external bleeding were symptoms.
“In total three confirmed cases, including two deaths, were recorded in the outbreak declared on 7 July 2022 after laboratory confirmation of the virus,” the WHO said.
Ghana’s cases were the first detected in West Africa.
Ghana Reports Suspected Cases Of Marburg Virus Illness
There have been previous outbreaks and sporadic cases other parts of Africa — in Angola, DR Congo, Guinea, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda.
“Any outbreak of Marburg is a major concern,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
“Despite having no previous experience with the disease, Ghana’s response has been rapid and robust.”
The WHO said it was working with Ghana’s health authorities to maintain surveillance, improve detection of the virus and better prepare for a potential resurgence.
The viral illness hits sufferers suddenly, triggering a high fever and severe headaches. Patients can develop unstoppable bleeding within days.
Fatality rates in confirmed cases have ranged from 24 per cent to 88 per cent in previous outbreaks, depending on the virus strain and case management, according to the WHO.
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