Ghana confirms the first case of the deadly Marburg virus

Ghana confirms the first case of the deadly Marburg virus

Marburg virus was first discovered in Marburg, Germany, in 1967

Ghana confirmed the first two cases of the deadly Marburg virus, highly contagious disease in the same family as this virus causes Ebola.

She says both patients recently died in a hospital in the southern Ashanti region.

Their samples returned positive earlier this month and have now been verified by a laboratory in Senegal.

Health officials in the West African country say 98 people are now under quarantine as suspected contact cases.

There is no cure for Marburg yet - but doctors say drinking plenty of water and treating specific symptoms improve a patient's chances of survival.

The doctors said that virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads among humans through the transmission of bodily fluids.

It is a serious, often fatal illness, with symptoms including headache, fever, muscle aches, bloody vomiting, and bleeding.

Officials warn people to stay away from caves and to cook all meat products thoroughly before eating them.

The World Health Organization says sporadic outbreaks and cases have been reported in Africa in Angola, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. 

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