On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) had called on Equatorial Guinea to report cases of Marburg virus because of fears of more widespread contamination than announced.
On March 23, the WHO had mentioned seven confirmed deaths and announced that it was aware of 20 cases "probably" caused by this hemorrhagic fever, all dead.
As of March 28, "nine deaths" have been "laboratory confirmed" since the beginning of the epidemic of this virus cousin of Ebola and almost as deadly as it.
"There are thirteen positive cases since the beginning of the epidemic, including two hospitalized with mild symptoms, one patient cured (...) and a total of 825 contacts have been followed," the health ministry said on Twitter.
The UN agency was alarmed by a potential "large-scale epidemic", which could affect Gabon and Cameroon neighboring this central African state. Cases have been identified outside the province of Kié-Ntem where it caused the first known deaths on 7 January, until it reached Bata, the country's economic capital.
The WHO had announced the deployment of "additional experts" adding that it "also helps Gabon and Cameroon to strengthen preparedness and response to the epidemic".
Tanzania also announced 9 days ago the beginning of an outbreak of Marburg, with five deaths.
Marburg © virus disease Alain BOMMENEL / AFP/Archives
This virus is transmitted to humans by fruit bats and spreads in humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, or with surfaces and materials. The case fatality rate can be as high as 88%.
There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment approved to treat the virus. However, supportive care – oral or intravenous rehydration – and treatment of specific symptoms increase the chances of survival.
© 2023 AFP