Chopper Jog
29th Mar 2005, 21:35
Outbreak Notice
Marburg Virus Hemorrhagic Fever: Angola, Central Africa
(Released March 25, 2005)
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the presence of Marburg virus in 9 of 12 specimens submitted from an outbreak of suspected acute hemorrhagic fever syndrome in Uige Province in northern Angola. Laboratory testing was conducted by CDC’s Special Pathogens Branch on March 21, 2005. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, 102 cases, including 95 deaths, have been identified in a retrospective analysis that traced the outbreak to October 2004. Approximately 75% of the reported cases were in children younger than 5 years of age; males and females were affected almost equally. Predominant symptoms have included fever, hemorrhage, vomiting, cough, diarrhea, and jaundice.
The Ministry of Health in Angola is working with WHO and other partners in conducting an investigation and public health response. CDC laboratory testing confirming Marburg virus was performed using a combination of polymerase chain reaction and antigen-detection ELISA. CDC remains in close communication with WHO about the situation in Angola.
Marburg hemorrhagic fever is caused by a virus that is believed to primarily inhabit countries in East and Central Africa. Although the disease is rare, it has the potential to spread to other people, especially health-care staff and family members who care for the patient.
For more information about Marburg infections, see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/marburg.htm.
For information about hemorrhagic fevers and precautionary measures, see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/disinfo.htm.
Marburg Virus Hemorrhagic Fever: Angola, Central Africa
(Released March 25, 2005)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the presence of Marburg virus in 9 of 12 specimens submitted from an outbreak of suspected acute hemorrhagic fever syndrome in Uige Province in northern Angola. Laboratory testing was conducted by CDC’s Special Pathogens Branch on March 21, 2005. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, 102 cases, including 95 deaths, have been identified in a retrospective analysis that traced the outbreak to October 2004. Approximately 75% of the reported cases were in children younger than 5 years of age; males and females were affected almost equally. Predominant symptoms have included fever, hemorrhage, vomiting, cough, diarrhea, and jaundice.
The Ministry of Health in Angola is working with WHO and other partners in conducting an investigation and public health response. CDC laboratory testing confirming Marburg virus was performed using a combination of polymerase chain reaction and antigen-detection ELISA. CDC remains in close communication with WHO about the situation in Angola.
Marburg hemorrhagic fever is caused by a virus that is believed to primarily inhabit countries in East and Central Africa. Although the disease is rare, it has the potential to spread to other people, especially health-care staff and family members who care for the patient.
For more information about Marburg infections, see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/marburg.htm.
For information about hemorrhagic fevers and precautionary measures, see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/disinfo.htm.