Marburg virus outbreak in Equatorial Guinea: Asian countries to act or not?

Abstract

The Marburg virus is a filovirus that causes a severe, often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever known as Marburg virus disease (MVD).[1] It was first identified in 1967 in Germany among people who had come in contact with imported Ugandan green monkeys, and it is thought to have originated in bats. The disease initially spread to humans through contact with infected fruit bats and then continued to spread through interpersonal contact between humans.[2] The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that living conditions in mines or caves where bat colonies are located can be a risk of infection. This zoonotic disease is manifested by high fever, malaise, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and bleeding. Not contagious through the air, this disease is instead transmitted through personal contact with an infected person’s blood or other bodily fluids or with contaminated objects such as towels or clothing.[3] Recently, an epidemic broke out on February 13, 2023, in the northern Equatorial Guinean province and 12 deaths out of a total of 25 probable cases have been linked to the virus.[4] This is the third outbreak of MVD in the Guinean region in the last 3 years although outbreaks have been recorded every year and declared as being over in a few months.[5] In most cases, epidemics may be contained and brought to a rapid stop after the necessary actions have been taken.[6] In this regard, the WHO convened an urgent meeting to discuss the feasibility of testing Marburg vaccines that are in various stages of development throughout the world to see if any experimental vaccines offered any protection. However, scientists warn that the trial’s chances of success are low because the epidemic can be contained through measures like quarantine even before a single dose of vaccine is provided.[7] Considerations for conducting clinical trials of vaccinations against the Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea can be troublesome or equally beneficial. This may provide valuable data on the safety of vaccines and the immune responses they generate in populations at risk of future outbreaks and can be evidence pointing toward the efficacy of vaccines. Despite the fact that MVD has a poor spread characteristic and their point of origin is far from Asia, we still need to be vigilant. To prevent MVD from spreading to Asian countries, we should take certain steps to ensure that travelers and visitors who came from the epicenter be thoroughly vetted. In addition, as outbreaks of MVD have been traced to humans who recently visited or worked in caves minimum of 21 days, community engagement with the preparation of proper control measures that include quarantine of suspected cases and rapid detection can help. Vaccines may not provide 100% protection from the disease but will surely give some assurance to the population after a successful trial. Furthermore, all international airports of outbreak region can use rapid diagnostic tests for MVD at the time of departure during the ongoing outbreak time and after words of 3 months from declaration of outbreak over. Establishing mobile laboratories and medical centers along with counseling and isolation facilities which can help for screening, treatment and follow up of positive cases of MVD. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.