CDC to warn some travelers to watch for Marburg virus symptoms as it investigates outbreaks in Africa

CNN
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US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sends staff to Africa to help stop outbreaks Viral Marburg disease and urges travelers to certain countries to take precautions. The CDC is also taking steps to prevent the infection from spreading to the United States.

Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania are facing the first known outbreaks of the Marburg virus, a viral fever with uncontrolled bleeding that is a close relative of Ebola. This week the CDC urged travelers to both countries to avoid contact with sick people and monitor symptoms for three weeks after leaving the area. Travelers to Equatorial Guinea should take enhanced precautions The agency said it is avoiding non-essential travel to provinces where the outbreak is ongoing.

In the United States, the agency will post notices at international airports where most travelers arrive, warning them to watch for symptoms of the virus for 21 days and seek immediate medical attention if they become ill. They will also receive a text reminder to watch for symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is preparing an emergency response under the leadership of the center; it’s not as comprehensive as when the CDC comes to the defense Emergency Operations Center, for example, for Covid-19 and mpox. But he will redirect the efforts and attention of his National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases to respond to outbreaks that are taking place in two countries on opposite sides of Africa, indicating the spread of a deadly hemorrhagic fever.

Equatorial Guinea, on the coast of West Africa, declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in mid-February, with cases spreading to several provinces. As of March 22, Equatorial Guinea has 13 confirmed cases, including nine deaths and one recovery. according to the World Health Organization. Nine CDC employees are on the ground there. They have set up a field laboratory and are assisting with testing, case finding and contact tracing.

Tanzania, located on the coast of East Africa, announced an outbreak of Marburg virus disease on March 21, with cases reported in two villages in the Kagera region. According to the CDC. As of March 22, Tanzania had eight confirmed cases, including five deaths. The CDC has a permanent office in Tanzania that is providing assistance in the fight against the outbreak. It is sending additional staff to support these efforts.

Marburg virus is a rare and deadly virus that causes fever, chills, muscle pain, rash, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, or unexplained bleeding or bruising. It spreads through contact with body fluids and contaminated surfaces. Humans can also become infected from infected animals. In about half of the cases, this leads to death. Other countries Africa used to have to suppress outbreaks.

In the early stages, the infection is difficult to distinguish from other diseases, so a history of travel to any of these countries will be important to help clinicians detect it.