'Marburg Virus' Cases Reported in Ghana, Africa... Fatality Rate Up to 88%

Transmission through bats... No treatment or vaccine available
Spread among humans via bodily fluids and direct contact

[Image source=US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The 'Marburg virus,' a highly infectious disease with a fatality rate of up to 88%, has been reported to have been discovered in Ghana, West Africa. This is the second time the virus has been confirmed in West Africa since it was found last year in the neighboring country of Guinea. The World Health Organization (WHO) and health authorities worldwide are concerned about the spread following the monkeypox virus.

According to AFP on the 17th (local time), Ghana's health authorities stated, "The Marburg virus was detected in blood samples taken from two individuals in the Ashanti region in the south earlier this month," adding, "This is the first time the virus has been confirmed in Ghana."

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said, "Health authorities responded quickly to prepare for a possible outbreak," and added, "Both patients exhibited symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting before dying in the hospital."

The Marburg virus is a zoonotic virus that can be transmitted to both humans and animals, spreading from fruit bats to humans. Human-to-human transmission is known to occur through bodily fluids of infected individuals or direct contact.

The Marburg virus was first reported in Germany in 1967, accompanied by high fever and severe headaches, with a fatality rate varying from 24% to 88% depending on the patient. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or treatments available.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.