Outbreak of Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever in Angola

Overview

Marburg hemorrhagic fever is a rare acute viral fever illness with a serious clinical course often leading to a fatal outcome. The lethality rate ranges between 25 and 80 %. Both the virus reservoir and mode of transmission to humans are unknown. Close contact with body fluids of infected persons is prerequisite for secondary human to human transmission. Seriousness of the infection is underlined by the unavailability of specific treatment and vaccination.

The outbreak in Angola in 2004–2005 accounted for the highest prevalence of the disease recorded to date. As many as 374 cases were reported by August 23, 2005, 329 of these were fatal; the lethality rate was 88 %. In comparison with the previous outbreaks, the afflicted area is unusually vast, includes populated zones, and intensive secondary transmission is observed.

Key words:
Marburg hemorrhagic fever – epidemiology – outbreak – Angola.