2017 Uganda Marburg virus outbreak

2017 Uganda Marburg Virus Outbreak

The 2017 Uganda Marburg virus outbreak was a significant health event that occurred in Uganda in the year 2017. The outbreak was caused by the Marburg virus, a highly infectious and deadly pathogen that causes Marburg virus disease, a severe form of hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola virus disease.

Background

The Marburg virus is a member of the Filoviridae family, which also includes the Ebola virus. The virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through human-to-human transmission. The Marburg virus causes severe viral hemorrhagic fever in humans, with a case fatality ratio of up to 88%.

Outbreak

The 2017 Uganda Marburg virus outbreak began in the Kween District of Eastern Uganda. The first case was reported in September, and the outbreak was officially declared by the Uganda Ministry of Health on October 19, 2017. The outbreak resulted in several deaths and caused significant concern due to the high fatality rate of the disease and the risk of widespread transmission.

Response

The Uganda Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), responded swiftly to the outbreak. Measures taken included surveillance and contact tracing, case management, safe and dignified burials, social mobilization and community engagement, and logistical support.

Aftermath

The outbreak was declared over on December 8, 2017, after 42 days (two incubation periods) following the second negative test of the last confirmed case. The swift and effective response to the outbreak was praised by international health organizations.

See also

• Marburg virus disease
• Ebola virus disease
• 2014–2016 Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa
• List of epidemics