WHO Declares End To Marburg Virus Outbreak In Equatorial Guinea

The UN's health agency on Thursday declared an end to a nearly four-month outbreak of Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea, saying the disease, a cousin of Ebola, had caused 35 confirmed or suspected deaths.

"The outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in Equatorial Guinea ended today, with no new cases reported over the past 42 days after the last patient was discharged from treatment," the World Health Organization (WHO) stated in a statement.

The very pathogenic microorganism produces high fever, which is frequently followed by haemorrhage and organ failure.

It is a member of the filovirus family, which includes Ebola, which has caused multiple devastating outbreaks in western and central Africa.

The February 13 epidemic was the first of its sort in Equatorial Guinea, a tiny coastal country in central-western Africa.

"There were 17 laboratory-confirmed cases and 12 deaths." "All 23 probable cases reported died," according to the WHO.

"Four patients recovered from the virus and were enrolled in a survivors program to receive psychosocial and other post-recovery support," the statement continued.

The statement praised local health professionals and partner groups for their "hard work" in combating the epidemic, which includes locating and isolating anyone who has come into contact with patients.