More Marburg Haemorrhagic fever cases in Uganda - update

The number of cumulative cases of Marburg virus disease has grown to 9: 2 confirmed by laboratory tests, 4 suspected and 3 probable cases. This limited outbreak has been confined to the Kween district and possibly the Kapchorwa district where a suspected case is waiting for results of laboratory tests.

Advice

The risk of exposure for the general traveller is low because Marburg Disease is usually transmitted to humans through contact with infected bats or animals (normally monkeys/baboons). Human to human transmission of the virus can occur through contact with the body fluids (blood, vomit, urine, feces, etc) of already infected persons. Close contacts to already infected people and health workers are particularly at increased risk of acquiring Marburg virus. There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Marburg Disease.