Ghana Health Service has confirmed two suspected cases of Marburg virus disease in the country. The cases were found in the Ashanti Region.
A statement by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) indicates that some 34 contacts linked to the initial two cases have been traced and quarantined.
According to GHS , no new cases have been reported.
“The disease was suspected following the identification of two persons who met the case definition for an Acute Haemorrhagic Fever in two different locations in the Ashanti Region. Blood samples were sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Preliminary results suggest the infection is due to the Marburg virus,” a statement from the health authority said.
“The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate with support from the Ghana Health Service Headquarters is currently conducting further investigations on the cases and contacts,” it said.
Marburg Virus Disease is a rare but severe haemorrhagic fever that affects both humans and non-human primates.
It is caused by the Marburg virus. It is transmitted by infected persons or animals from direct contact with body fluids, blood and other discharges from the affected person/animal. The incubation period for the disease is two (2) to twenty-one (21) days. Treatment is symptomatic. There is currently no vaccine available.
Marburg virus was recorded in neighboring West African country, Guinea few years ago.
Some symptoms include fever, bloody diarrhoea, bleeding from gums, bleeding into the skin, bleeding into eyes and, bloody urine.
