2022 outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Ghana: Public health alert

Abstract

Marburg virus disease is a severe viral disease that is often associated with high mortality. The outbreak of the fatal hemorrhagic disease has been reported for the first time in Ghana in 2022, wherein two cases of the disease were reported in hospitals. The World Health Organization has strengthened its ongoing activities by alerting the neighboring nations, deployment of experts in the nation, and increasing the availability of personal protective equipment. The success of sustainable control of the infection lies in the engagement of the community and this essentially requires measures to create awareness about the infection. It is of paramount importance to safeguard the well-being of healthcare professionals and thus each and every one of them should be sensitized and trained about the safety measures. To conclude, Marburg virus disease results in hemorrhagic manifestations, which makes the infected persons highly prone to adverse clinical outcomes. The first outbreak of the infection reported in Ghana is a reminder for international health agencies and public health authorities that we cannot let our guard down and there is an indispensable need to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.