Marburg Virus Disease Reaches Spain

The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday announced its investigations into Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreaks are ongoing as additional cases have been reported.

This first MVD outbreak in 2023 was reported in Equatorial Guinea. As of February 21, 2023, the cumulative number of fatal MVD cases was nine.

Recently, Spain detected its first suspected MVD patient.

This man had recently visited Equatorial Guinea, reported VOA News on February 25, 2023.

Spanish health officials stated that more than 200 people in Equatorial Guinea have recently been quarantined because of MVD.

As of February 25, 2023, the WHO assesses the risk posed by MVD outbreaks as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level, and low at the global level.

Previously, the U.S. CDC issued a travel alert focused on these MVD outbreaks.

Marburg spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with infected people's blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids and surfaces and materials (e.g., bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids.

The incubation period varies from two to 21 days.

As of February 27, 2023, various MVD vaccine candidates are conducting clinical studies, but the U.S. FDA has not authorized any vaccine.

Update: Reuters reported Spain says patient does not have Marburg disease.