The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the Marburg Virus Disease outbreak in Equatorial Guinea has officially ended, with no new cases reported for 42 consecutive days since the last patient was discharged. Marburg Virus is a highly virulent microbe that causes severe fever, bleeding, and organ failure.

This outbreak, declared on February 13, was the first of its kind in Equatorial Guinea, resulting in 17 laboratory-confirmed cases and 12 deaths, with all 23 probable cases resulting in death. However, four patients have recovered and are now receiving post-recovery support through a survivors program.

The WHO praised the efforts of local health workers and partner organizations in tracing and isolating individuals in contact with patients. Additionally, it is worth noting that during this period, Tanzania also experienced a Marburg outbreak, resulting in six deaths.

The virus was first identified in Marburg, Germany in 1967, when workers in a lab came into contact with infected green monkeys imported from Uganda. Although there are currently no vaccines or antiviral treatments available, potential treatments and vaccines are under evaluation.