Nigeria At Moderate Risk Of Marburg Virus Importation

Following the outbreak of  Marburg virus disease in Equatorial Guinea, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said Nigeria is at moderate risk of  importation of the virus.

Director – general of NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday said  there are currently no cases of Marburg virus disease in the country.

However, he said the Centre and relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and partners have taken proactive measures to mitigate the risk of cross-border importation.

“Based on available data, the overall risk of importation of the Marburg virus and the impact on the health of Nigerians has been assessed as moderate for the following reasons: The extent of the outbreak in Equatorial Guinea has not yet been ascertained, the likelihood of importation to Nigeria is high due to the direct flight between Nigeria Band Equatorial Guinea.

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“The proximity of Equatorial Guinea to Nigeria , the likelihood of spread in Nigeria following importation is high due to the gatherings and travel associated with upcoming national elections.

“ The case fatality rate of MVD ranges between 24 to 88 percent. MVD does not currently have an effective drug for treatment or a licensed vaccine,” he explained.

The outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) was  announced in Equatorial Guinea on 13th February 2023.

The death of nine people prompted laboratory testing on samples of individuals experiencing symptoms of fever, fatigue, blood-stained vomit, and diarrhoea in two communities of the country’s western Kie Ntem province.

So far, one confirmed case, nine deaths and 16 suspected cases of MVD have been reported in Equatorial Guinea.

MVD is a viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) caused by a virus from the same family as the Ebola virus disease, said Ifedayo.

According to NCDC,  the primary route of transmission is from fruit bats to humans, adding that human-to-human transmission is possible through contact with the body fluids of an infected person.