(MENAFN) The deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus, which causes symptoms similar to Ebola, has spread from rural districts in Equatorial Guinea to the country's commercial capital, Bata. The outbreak is already thought to be the fourth largest on record and could escalate after reaching a densely populated city.
The country's Health Ministry confirmed several cases in Bata, while the US embassy in the country gave the number of cases in the city as four. US officials advised against all but essential travel to the mainland of the country of 1.5 million and restricted transport for its own staff.
Marburg virus belongs to the same filovirus family as the better-known Ebola and in the worst previous outbreaks has been known to kill nearly 90% of those infected. The outbreak was first confirmed last month but officials last week acknowledged it was larger and more widespread than initially thought.
There have been nine laboratory-confirmed cases, of which seven have died and two are undergoing treatment. There have been another 20 suspected cases, all of whom are now dead.
The outbreak in Equatorial Guinea is a cause for concern, given the potential for the virus to spread rapidly and cause significant harm. The country has a weak health system and limited resources to combat the outbreak, which could lead to a humanitarian crisis.
The international community needs to provide immediate support to Equatorial Guinea to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading further. This includes providing medical supplies, equipment, and personnel to help with testing, tracing, and treatment.
It is also important to raise awareness about the outbreak and educate the public about the risks associated with the Marburg virus. This can help to prevent the spread of the virus and reduce the impact of the outbreak on the affected communities.
Overall, the outbreak of the Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea is a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by infectious diseases and the need for a coordinated and comprehensive global response to address these challenges.
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