After the Marburg Virus Disease outbreak in Equatorial Guinea, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC has announced Nigeria is at moderate risk of importing the virus into the country.
According to the NCDC, the extent of the outbreak in Equatorial Guinea is still yet to be ascertained, and the likelihood of it spreading in Nigeria if the outbreak occurs in the country is high due to the gatherings and travel associated with the upcoming national elections and also because of the proximity of Equatorial Guinea to Nigeria.
Recall that Equatorial Guinea on February 13, 2023, had confirmed its first-ever outbreak of the Marburg virus disease. The viral infection has also killed nine individuals in the country.
The Marburg virus disease is a very virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever. It has a fatality ratio of up to 88%. Illnesses caused by the Marburg virus begin abruptly with a high fever, severe headache, and severe malaise.
