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Updated: Jul 14, 2025
Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
Rise of Marburg virus in Africa: a call for global preparedness
Olalekan J Okesanya1, Emery Manirambona2, Noah O Olaleke3
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta.
Abstract:
The Marburg virus disease (MVD) is caused by a rare RNA virus that can result in severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and other primates. The disease was first discovered in 1967 in Marburg Frankfurt in Germany and since then, sporadic cases have been reported in southeastern Africa. The Egyptian fruit bat is considered a reservoir for the virus, which can be transmitted through direct contact with infected bat or monkey tissue, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects. The Marburg virus disease shares clinical features with the Ebola virus disease, and there are no widely accepted vaccines or antiviral medications to treat it. The article provides an overview of Marburg virus (MARV) outbreaks in Africa, including the most recent outbreaks in Guinea, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and Tanzania. The authors discuss the recent outbreaks and the implications of the spread of MARV to Africa's healthcare systems. The authors also present key recommendations for both multicountry and global preparedness efforts in order to better prevent and respond to future MARV outbreaks and other viruses with an epidemic potential.
Insights
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a rare, severe hemorrhagic fever. Recent outbreaks in Africa highlight the need for improved global preparedness and response strategies for Marburg virus (MARV) and similar epidemic threats.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe hemorrhagic fever caused by an RNA virus, first identified in 1967.
- The Egyptian fruit bat is a known reservoir, with transmission occurring via direct contact with infected tissues, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials.
- MVD shares clinical similarities with Ebola virus disease, and effective vaccines or treatments are currently unavailable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of recent Marburg virus (MARV) outbreaks in Africa.
- To discuss the implications of MARV spread on African healthcare systems.
- To present recommendations for multicountry and global preparedness against MARV and other epidemic-potential viruses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of reported Marburg virus outbreaks in Africa.
- Examination of clinical features and transmission routes of Marburg virus.
- Assessment of the impact on healthcare systems and formulation of preparedness strategies.
Main Results:
- Recent Marburg virus outbreaks have been reported in Guinea, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and Tanzania.
- The spread of MARV poses significant challenges to Africa's healthcare infrastructure.
- There is an urgent need for enhanced surveillance and response mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Marburg virus disease remains a significant public health threat in Africa.
- Strengthened international cooperation and preparedness are crucial for mitigating future outbreaks.
- Proactive strategies are essential to prevent and manage the spread of Marburg virus and other emerging infectious diseases.
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