Measures to prevent the spread of the Marburg virus have been strengthened in Uzbekistan, the Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Committee said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) at the end of September said 26 confirmed cases of Marburg haemorrhagic fever had been reported across 7 of Rwanda’s 30 districts, 6 of cases were fatal.

Most of the affected individuals were healthcare staff from two facilities in the Rwandan capital, Kigali.

The WHO has classified the epidemic’s threat level as very high nationally, high regionally and low globally.

To prevent the spread of Marburg virus and enhance precautionary measures, various countries, including Uzbekistan, have increased the preparedness at sanitary control points located at state border crossings.

Measures to prevent Marburg virus transmission include:

  • Timely identification and isolation of patients with suspected Marburg haemorrhagic fever in specialiяed isolation units;
  • Ensuring healthcare workers who come into contact with suspected patients use standard precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent transmission. This includes avoiding contact with the blood, bodily fluids and surfaces contaminated by the virus;
  • Improving health workers' knowledge of the etiology, clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis, prophylaxis and prevention of the disease;
  • Safe injection techniques, proper use of PPE, disinfection of reused medical instruments and safe disposal of waste during disease control efforts.
  • Public education to raise awareness of the virus.

“There is no reason for serious concern for the citizens of our country,” the committee assured in its statement.

Marburg and Ebola viruses both belong to the Filoviridae family. Marburg is a highly virulent disease that causes haemorrhagic fever, with clinical symptomes similar to Ebola.

The virus is initially transmitted to humans through contact with Rousettus bats, a type of fruit bat. Marburg virus spreads between people via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids. Symptoms include severe headache, abdominal pain, bleeding from nose and mouth.

The average fatality rate of the disease is about 50%. In previous outbreaks, fatality rate ranged from 24% to 88%, depending on the strain of the virus and the quality of medical care.

Currently, there is no vaccine for Marburg virus. The treatment is symptomatic, with drugs used to support immunity.

The Marburg virus was first identified in 1967 following simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt (Germany), and Belgrade (Serbia).