Recent outbreaks of the Marburg virus have raised many concerns and questions about this rare pathogen. Marburg virus is a rare and fatal disease that spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood. It induces symptoms such as vomiting, high fever, bleeding from orifices, and diarrhea. The virus was first discovered in 1967, but there have been recent outbreaks in Tanzania, Africa and Equatorial Guinea.
While the outbreak in Africa seems to have been well contained (as only two people were quarantined), the World Health Organization states that Equatorial Guinea was not being fully transparent about the numbers of cases. The WHO warns the outbreak can spread from Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea to nearby countries. Although no treatments or vaccines for Marburg currently exist, some Phase 1 clinical trials show potential but these vaccine candidates have not been tested in active outbreaks.
by Leanne Auyeung