U.S. Embassy Kampala is aware of 2 confirmed cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Kween District, Eastern Uganda. Through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are supporting the Ugandan Ministry of Health in their rapid response to contain the outbreak. Within 24 hours of case confirmation, response activities were initiated, to include surveillance, active case finding, contact tracing and follow-up, and monitoring within affected communities and health centers.
Initial human MVD infection from animal hosts is not clearly identified however, current and past outbreaks have initially resulted from exposure to mines or caves inhabited by African fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) colonies or infected non-human primates. Human-to-human transmission is primarily associated with direct contact with blood and body fluids. Close physical contact with Marburg patients should be avoided, and personal protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill patients and bodies of the deceased. Communities affected by MVD should be informed about the disease and encourage anyone who presents symptoms to immediately seek treatment.
For further details:
- Find more information on MVD from CDC here: https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/marburg/index.html
- Find the World Health Organization (WHO) Marburg disease fact sheet here
Updates will be posted on the WHO Uganda webpage here: http://www.afro.who.int/countries/uganda
