The Marburg virus vaccine consortium (MARVAC) had an urgent meeting on Tuesday, according to a statement from the WHO. Following the Marburg virus outbreak in Equatorial Guinea, the meeting was also intended to examine its protocol.
Leaders in the field of vaccine research and development are a part of MARVAC, which is collaborating to create disease-specific vaccinations.
As of Monday, 16 further instances are suspected, and 9 individuals have died from the infection. The virus, which is thought to be a close relative of the Ebola virus, is extremely virulent and causes hemorrhagic fever in addition to numerous other symptoms like fever, exhaustion, and vomiting and diarrhoea that are stained with blood.
“Marburg is really contagious. Emergency response can ramp up swiftly so that we can save lives and stop the virus as soon as possible thanks to the swift and immediate action taken by the Equatorial Guinean authorities in verifying the sickness, according to Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director for Africa.
According to the WHO statement, advance teams have been deployed in the targeted districts to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the sick individuals, isolate them, and treat anyone exhibiting disease signs.
The supervisory authorities have also facilitated the arrival of one viral hemorrhagic fever kit, which includes personal protective equipment that at least 500 health care workers can employ, laboratory glove tents for sample testing.
While there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat the virus so far, rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, and treatment of specific symptoms, improves chances of survival.
