2021 Guinea Marburg virus disease outbreak

2021 Guinea Marburg Virus Disease Outbreak

Marburg virus particles

The 2021 Guinea Marburg virus disease outbreak was a significant public health event that marked the first known occurrence of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Guinea. The outbreak was officially declared on August 9, 2021, following the confirmation of a single case in the Guéckédou Prefecture, located in the southern part of the country.

Background

Marburg virus is a highly virulent pathogen that belongs to the Filoviridae family, which also includes the Ebola virus. The disease caused by the Marburg virus is characterized by severe hemorrhagic fever, with a high case fatality rate. The virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.

The first recorded outbreak of Marburg virus disease occurred in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Yugoslavia, when laboratory workers were exposed to infected African green monkeys. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred primarily in Africa.

The Outbreak

The 2021 outbreak in Guinea was identified when a patient presented with symptoms consistent with Marburg virus disease, including fever, headache, and bleeding. The patient, a male, was treated at a local health facility in Guéckédou Prefecture. Samples were collected and sent to the Institut Pasteur in Senegal, where the presence of Marburg virus was confirmed.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Guinean Ministry of Health quickly mobilized resources to contain the outbreak. Contact tracing was initiated to identify and monitor individuals who had been in contact with the patient. Health authorities also worked to raise awareness about the disease and its transmission among the local population.

Response and Containment

The response to the outbreak involved a coordinated effort between local health authorities, international organizations, and neighboring countries. Measures were implemented to prevent further transmission, including the isolation of suspected cases, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare workers, and the safe burial of the deceased.

Community engagement was a critical component of the response, as it helped to dispel myths and misinformation about the disease. Health education campaigns were conducted to inform the public about the symptoms of Marburg virus disease and the importance of seeking medical care promptly.

Outcome

The outbreak was declared over on September 16, 2021, after no new cases were reported for 42 days following the isolation of the initial case. The rapid response and effective containment measures were credited with preventing a larger outbreak.

Related Pages

• Marburg virus disease
• Ebola virus disease
• World Health Organization
• Guinea