Marburg virus outbreaks are increasing in frequency and geographic spread –three virologists explain

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Adam Hume, Boston University; Elke Mühlberger, Boston University, and Judith Olejnik, Boston University

(THE CONVERSATION) The World Health Organization confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus disease in the central African country of Equatorial Guinea on Feb. 13, 2023. To date, there have been 11 deaths suspected to be caused by the virus, with one case confirmed. Authorities are currently monitoring 48 contacts, four of whom have developed symptoms and three of whom are hospitalized as of publication. The WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are assisting Equatorial Guinea in its efforts to stop the spread of the outbreak.

Marburg virus and the closely related Ebola virus belong to the filovirus family and are structurallysimilar. Both viruses cause severe disease and death in people,...