The Ghana Health Service has confirmed the presence of two suspected cases of Marburg virus disease in Ghana. It said the cases were found in the Ashanti Region.
In a statement, the Service said the disease was suspected following the identification of two persons who met the case definition for an Acute Haemorrhagic Fever at two different locations in the Ashanti Region.
Blood samples were later sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Preliminary results suggest the infection is due to the Marburg virus.
According to the Ghana Health Service, no new cases have been reported. However, 34 contacts linked to the initial two cases have been traced and are currently under quarantine.
The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate with support from the Ghana Health Service is currently conducting further investigations into the cases and contacts.
Marburg Virus Disease is a rare but severe haemorrhagic fever that affects both humans and non-human. It is caused by the Marburg virus.
It is transmitted by infected persons or animals from direct contact with body fluids, blood and other discharges.
There is currently no vaccine available.
