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March 30, 2005

US Experts Heading for Angola to Help Stop Marburg Spread

Topics: Health Issues

According to Daily News Central, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners to assist the Ministry of Health in Angola with the investigation and response to the Marburg virus outbreak. The emergency response team consists of experts in viral hemorrhagic fevers and their departure to the affected region is said to be imminent. The CDC has already shipped preventive gear and supplies to officials in Angola.

Marburg hemorrhagic fever is a rare, severe type of hemorrhagic fever which affects both humans and non-human primates. It is caused by a genetically unique zoonotic (animal-borne) RNA virus of the filovirus family, its recognition led to the creation of this virus family. The four species of Ebola virus are the only other known members of the filovirus family. Just how the animal host first transmits Marburg virus to humans is unknown, however, humans who become ill with Marburg hemorrhagic fever may spread the virus to other people.

Posted by Hyscience at March 30, 2005 4:38 PM

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