WHO Says Deadly Marburg Virus Detected in West Africa, Related to Ebola and Similar to Covid19
- Healthcare officials in Guinea have discovered a highly contagious virus called Marburg disease, according to the World Health Organization
- The Marburg virus is a first for West Africa and it is transmitted from bats to human beings and is said to be related to Ebola
- Health officials also state that the virus is much like the coronavirus and can be transmitted through bodily fluids
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GUINEA - On Monday, the World Health Organization confirmed that a deadly virus known as Marburg disease had been discovered in Guinea, West Africa.
According to EWN, the disease is related to the Ebola virus and is similar to the coronavirus. The virus is spread by bats to humans has an 88% mortality rate.
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The virus was discovered after samples were collected from a patient who died on August 2 in the southern Gueckedou region
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Marburg disease has been discovered for the first time in the country and in West Africa, according to a report by Relief Web. The virus was found two months after Guinea was declared Ebola-free.
The virus causes haemorrhagic fever and is also highly infectious. It is transmitted through bodily fluids or through touching contaminated surfaces and/or materials.
World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, congratulated Guinea’s healthcare officials for detecting the Marburg virus quickly and stated that the country can now country can begin efforts to curb further spread of the virus.
"We are working with the health authorities to implement a swift response that builds on Guinea’s past experience and expertise in managing Ebola, which is transmitted in a similar way,” said Moeti.
Groote Schuur doctor says no vaccinated patients have been admitted to Covid-19 high care ward
Briefly News previously reported that Dr Marc Mendelson of Groote Schuur Hospital in the Western Cape says he has yet to come across a patient with Covid-19 pneumonia who has been vaccinated against the coronavirus.
The Western Cape has recently been declared the epicentre of the third wave of Covid-19 infections by Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo with the province recording over 40 000 active cases on Monday, according to IOL.
Dr Marvin Hsiao of Groote Schuur Complex of the National Health Laboratory Service did however note that the epicentre status was decided on the fact the province now has the highest number of active cases and was not decided on scientific backing.
Mendelson told News24 that as it stands no patient of his that has received the Covid-19 jab is in the high care ward, however, he cannot say the same for patients who have been taking Ivermectin.
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Source: Briefly News
