The recent outbreaks of Marburg virus disease in African countries are indicating potential threat to the global public health: Future prediction from historical data

Abstract

Marburg virus disease (MVD) caused by the Marburg virus has a high mortality rate. Rousettus aegyptiacus fruit bats act as the natural reservoir host of the virus. But it can also potentially be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with body secretions. The recent outbreaks have already killed seven people out of nine confirmed cases in Equatorial Guinea and five patients out of eight confirmed cases in Tanzania. In the recent past, Ghana reported three MVD cases and two associated deaths in 2022. Specific treatments or vaccines are unavailable for MVD, and supportive care is the primary treatment option. The history of MVD outbreaks and the current scenario show its potential to become an emerging threat to global public health. The recent outbreaks in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea have already caused a high fatality rate. The absence of effective treatment and vaccines raises concerns about the potential to cause widespread harm. Besides, its capacity for human‐to‐human transmission and potential to cross the country's border could result in a multicountry outbreak. Therefore, we recommend intensive surveillance of MVD, preventative measures, and early detection to limit the spread of the disease and prevent another pandemic.

The pathogenicity and potential risk evaluation of Zika virus to cause mysterious “Disease X”: A brief report

“…The WHO and the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI) recommend 10 potential disease organisms are responsible for the disease 7 . They are Ebola, Marburg virus disease, Lassa fever, Nipah, Mers‐CoV, Zika, SARS, Cirmean‐Cong hemorrhagic fever, Rift Valley fever, and Monkeypox 8,9 . Scientists prioritize the causative organisms responsible for disease X because they spread quickly and can cause severe illness or death 10 .…”

“…7 They are Ebola, Marburg virus disease, Lassa fever, Nipah, Mers‐CoV, Zika, SARS, Cirmean‐Cong hemorrhagic fever, Rift Valley fever, and Monkeypox. 8 , 9 Scientists prioritize the causative organisms responsible for disease X because they spread quickly and can cause severe illness or death. 10 In addition, scientists also revealed that deforestation, the wildlife trade and hunting, greater meat consumption and overuse of antibiotics in chicken farming are also factors for the above causative pathogens to cause disease X and the pandemic.…”

Mapping knowledge landscapes and emerging trends of Marburg virus: A text-mining study

“…However, despite the declared end, unidentified transmission chains persist, signaling a global need for vigilance in disease prevention and control. Yet, there are currently no reliable vaccines or effective treatments for this highly contagious and lethal virus [ 2 , 3 , 14 ]. Given the potential of MARV to cause large-scale outbreaks, summarizing its global research status and trends becomes pivotal.…”

The neglected continuously emerging Marburg virus disease in Africa: A global public health threat

“…All the probable 23 cases died later. Tanzania had recorded eight confirmed cases and five deaths till March 24, 2023 4 . One probable case also died.…”