The Department of Health (DOH) assured the public that it is closely monitoring the developments regarding Marburg virus disease.
The DOH made the statement after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Equatorial Guinea.
“Rest assured that the DOH through the Epidemiology Bureau continues to provide surveillance and monitoring activities of emerging diseases,” the DOH said on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
“At present, there is no current risk assessment provided by WHO and the global risk of the Marburg virus disease is low,” it added.
The Marburg virus belongs to the same virus family that causes Ebola, said the DOH, adding that both diseases “are known to cause severe viral hemorrhagic fever in humans.”
Cases of Marburg virus disease are “rare,” the DOH said. However, “outbreaks occasionally arise in Africa, where the viruses circulate among some populations of fruit bats, specifically Rousettus bats,” it said.
“Human-to-human transmission of Marburg virus is primarily associated with direct contact with blood and/or bodily fluids of infected persons. Burial ceremonies that involve direct contact with the body of the deceased can also contribute in the transmission of Marburg virus,” the DOH said.
The DOH said that there is “no specific treatment for Marburg virus disease.”
“However, to reduce the risk of wildlife-to-human transmissions of the disease, such as through contact with fruit bats, monkeys among others, the public is advised to wear gloves and other appropriate protective clothing including masks when doing work, research activities or tours in mines or caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies,” it said.
The DOH, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of adherence to minimum public health standards as these help in preventing the spread of transmissible diseases.
“Communities are likewise encouraged to practice safe and dignified burial processes to avoid potential spread of hazardous waste in addition to the proper use of appropriate PPEs by health workers attending,” it added.