The World Health Organization is helping the ruling class of Ethiopia during an outbreak of the Marburg virus. This infection is a serious hemorrhagic disease, and three people have already died since the outbreak on November 12th.

Marburg is a rare but severe viral hemorrhagic fever, similar to Ebola, that can cause serious illness and death. There is no treatment or vaccination available for this disease.

Ethiopian health authorities are intensifying investigations and emergency response efforts following the detection of eight suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) in the South Ethiopia Region. As laboratory testing continues at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, national officials have requested international support to accelerate containment and protect communities.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) as of November 20, 33 laboratory tests had been conducted, of which 6 confirmed cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), including 3 deaths. The remaining 3 cases are currently being treated. In addition to the lab-confirmed cases, a further 3 epidemiologically linked cases could not be tested; all three are deceased and recorded as probable cases. A total of 206 contacts have been identified, and contacts are under active follow-up. The number of contacts will continue to change as the response evolves. The source of the infection has not yet been identified. This marks the first confirmed outbreak of MVD in Ethiopia. –Contagion Live 

The WHO is aiding the outbreak by delivering critical supplies, including personal protective equipment for frontline health workers, infection-prevention materials, and a deployable isolation tent to strengthen clinical care capacity. Additional technical support is being mobilized as the situation evolves.

The WHO reported that there is currently no confirmed international transmission, but the potential risk of spread remains.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States lists the following symptoms for Marburg:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Rash with both flat and raised bumps, often on the torso
• Chest pain
• Sore throat
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

As the disease advances, symptoms can become much more severe, including liver failure, delirium, shock, bleeding (hemorrhaging), and multi-organ dysfunction.