Ethiopia: 6 Deaths Due to the Dangerous Marburg Virus

The number of deaths resulting from the Marburg virus outbreak in Ethiopia has risen to 6 people, the official news agency announced on Wednesday. Ethiopia confirmed the first outbreak on November 14, reporting 3 deaths just three days later.

1. Current Outbreak Statistics

• Confirmed Cases: 11 confirmed cases of the virus.

• Reported Deaths: 6 deaths.

• Cases Under Treatment: 5 cases are undergoing medical treatment.

• Contacts: 349 suspected contacts have been isolated, 119 of whom have completed the monitoring period and been released from quarantine.

2. Basic Information About the Marburg Virus

• Infectivity and Danger: The Marburg virus is highly contagious and belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus.

• Classification: It is classified among the "fatal hemorrhagic diseases."

• Mortality Rate: It is characterized by a high mortality rate, reaching 88 percent.

• Vaccine and Treatment: There is currently no specific vaccine or treatment for the virus.

• Origin and Transmission:

  • Origin: The virus originates in fruit bats.

  • Human Transmission: It spreads among people through close contact with the body fluids of infected individuals or with contaminated surfaces (such as soiled bed linens).

• Timeframe for Death: Previous outbreaks in Africa recorded deaths typically occurring within 8 to 9 days of the onset of symptoms.