Equatorial Guinea sees first-ever outbreak of Ebola-adjacent Marburg virus

The tiny coastal African nation of Equatorial Guinea has reported its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus, an Ebola-related pathogen that can kill nearly nine out of 10 victims when not treated.

Health authorities sent samples to a lab in Senegal last week after a health official in the country’s western Kie Ntem Province flagged the illness. Nine people died, with another 16 cases suspected.

Authorities also quarantined 200 people, and neighboring Cameroon restricted border movement, Reuters reported. The deaths may be linked to a funeral ceremony in the province’s Nsok Nsomo district, according to the outlet, which cited Health Minister Mitoha Ondo’o Ayekaba.

The World Health Organization is investigating and has sent teams to help contain the virus, isolating those showing symptoms and providing medical care, as well as tracing their contacts.

“Marburg is highly infectious,” Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, said in a statement. “Thanks to the rapid and decisive action by the Equatorial Guinean authorities in confirming the disease, emergency response can get to full steam quickly so that we save lives and halt the virus as soon as possible.”

Marburg is in the Ebola family, with sudden symptoms including high fever, severe headache and intense malaise, according to the WHO. While there’s no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, rehydration and symptom treatment “improves survival,” WHO said.

The virus, first identified in 1967, is exceedingly rare.

With News Wire Services