The last death recorded by the authorities due to the epidemic of this virus cousin of Ebola and almost as deadly as it was on April 3.
The ministry also mentions 15 positive cases, none of whom are hospitalized, and 385 contact cases "followed" against 604 last week, said the ministry in a document dated Monday and circulated on Twitter Tuesday.
The recorded cases of this haemorrhagic fever have spread from the province of Kié-Ntem (East) where it had caused the first known deaths on January 7, until reaching Bata, the economic capital of this small country in Central Africa, where nine cases have been confirmed, according to the authorities.
Two weeks ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on Equatorial Guinea to report cases of the Marburg virus, fearing a potential "large-scale epidemic" that could affect neighboring Gabon and Cameroon.
The WHO had announced the deployment of "additional experts" and said it was "also helping Gabon and Cameroon to strengthen preparedness and response to the epidemic".
Tanzania also announced on March 21 the beginning of an outbreak in 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