Guinea: First known case of Marburg virus reported in Gueckedou Prefecture Aug. 8

Event

On Aug. 8, the WHO reported a single confirmed fatal case of Marburg virus in Koundou, Gueckedou Prefecture, Guinea, representing the first known case identified in the country. The WHO has dispatched a team to investigate and conduct contact tracing in the area, alongside public health information campaigns. Disease surveillance is being conducted at the main border checkpoints between Guinea and the countries of Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Context

Risk of infection is low for individuals not directly involved in healthcare in Gueckedou Prefecture and for those who avoid exposure to bats and primates as bushmeat. Marburg virus is a potentially fatal hemorrhagic disease transmitted through close personal contact and exposure to excretions and bodily fluids (blood, vomit, feces) from infected humans, nonhuman primates (apes or monkeys), and fruit bats. African fruit bats are the primary reservoir for the virus; past outbreaks began among mining workers in bat-infested mines. The virus is then transmitted within communities through traditional cultural practices and healthcare settings. Symptoms appear three to nine days after exposure and include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms are followed by a rash, jaundice, and severe hemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding). Most deaths occur three to seven days after symptoms appear.

Advice

Observe strict health precautions, including frequent handwashing with soap and water or with hand sanitizer. Where possible, limit exposure to crowds, including markets and other areas where large numbers of people congregate. Stay away from any locations where bushmeat is collected, butchered, or sold. Avoid contact with animals and items that may have come in contact with an infected person's blood or bodily fluids.