GENEVA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a case of Marburg virus disease in Uganda's western Kyegegwa District, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced during his opening remarks at the WHO media briefing on Thursday.
The case was identified through enhanced disease surveillance for Ebola, according to WHO. Ugandan health authorities notified WHO of the confirmed case on June 30. No new Ebola cases have been reported in the country since June 21.
Health authorities have informed WHO that they are monitoring all identified contacts of the Marburg case, but so far none have shown symptoms. WHO is supporting investigations to determine the source of exposure, assess the public health risk, and support community engagement.
According to the WHO website, Marburg virus disease (MVD), formerly known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. The average MVD case fatality rate is around 50 percent. Case fatality rates have varied from 24 percent to 88 percent in past outbreaks.
Early supportive care with rehydration, and symptomatic treatment improves survival. There are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for MVD, but a range of vaccines and drug therapies are under development.
The WHO said it continues to work with the Ugandan authorities to contain any potential spread and will provide further updates as the situation evolves. ■
