Marburg virus in Ghana: A public health threat to Ghanaians and to Africans

Abstract

The Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Ghana and the re-emergence of other infectious diseases in Africa require a unified effort to fight these highly infectious health threats. Although no new cases have been reported after the three MVD confirmed cases, Ghana Health Service (GHS), and Health Authorities of neighbouring countries are on the alert to identify any new cases and deal with them at the earliest. Public health measures, however, inadequate, are in place in Ghana. Varied challenges remain in the fight against these outbreaks. All known public health measures must be brought to bear in the fight. African governments must resource the African Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention, in its efforts to augment the various country-level health services in the fight against the threats. African governments, citizens, development partners, and foreign governments must commit to fighting these diseases before they turn into pandemics.

Marburg virus in Egyptian Rousettus bats in Guinea: Investigation of Marburg virus outbreak origin in 2021

“…Moreover, similar research should also be carried out in other countries of West Africa (Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, etc.). The importance of this action is highlighted by the Ghana MVD outbreak in 2022 [ 38 ], which showed that MARV is more widespread in West Africa than previously known.…”

Marburg virus disease amid COVID-19 in West Africa: an emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemic threat, future implications and way forward

“…There are currently no confirmed cases pending in Ghana, but monitoring and other public health measures are ongoing to contain any threat to health security. 21 …”

“…1,4,6 The Ashanti region healthcare directorate commenced the implementation of coordination mechanisms and response activities across affected health districts in Ghana. 21 In addition, at the community level, recruitment and orientation of surveillance volunteers for community-based surveillance have been implemented. Furthermore, the WHO has supplied adequate reagents for sample testing in Ghana.…”

Preparing for future outbreaks in Ghana: An overview of current COVID-19, monkeypox, and Marburg disease outbreaks

“…The boy exhibited signs of Marburg disease and succumbed to the illness three days after admission to a healthcare facility in the Ashanti region. 3,16,42,43 A woman aged 24 years, who is married to the first case, was the third case of the disease. She tested positive for the Marburg virus after being identified as a contact of the confirmed case.…”