JUST IN: Marburg Virus Disease kills two people in Ashanti Region
The two victims of the Marburg virus disease in the Ashanti Region have succumbed to the virus.
This was disclosed today, Wednesday, July 13, 2022, by the Public Health Officer in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Dr. Thomas Quayson in an exclusive interview with Filasconews.com.
He said the service did their possible best to saving the victims but could not survive and have passed away.
All the two cases were recorded in the Adansi North District of the Ashanti Region.
Dr. Thomas Quayson added in the interview that, there is no current case of Marburg virus as the service keep eyes on grounds to monitor the situation.
He was quick to advice the public be watchful of their consumption to avoid any infection of Marburg.
Furthermore, he disclosed that, bats, monkey, and antelopes and many more are animals which can transfer the virus to human through their meats or waste when come into contact with exposed human body.
“Animals like the monkey family, bats, antelopes and likes can easily transfer the Marburg virus to human being”, the Public Health Officer stressed during the interview with Filasconews.com.
Background
The Ghana Health Service confirmed the presence of two suspected cases of Marburg virus disease in Ghana.
It said the cases were found in the Ashanti Region.
“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.
According to the Ghana Health Service, no new cases have been reported; however, 34 contacts linked to the initial two cases have been traced and are currently under quarantine.
“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
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.
Prospective cases may present with fever, bloody diarrhoea, bleeding from gums, bleeding into the skin, bleeding into eyes and, bloody urine.
In 2021, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) directed all its regional offices to be on high alert for the Marburg virus.
SOURCE: Filasconews.com/2022
