Ghana reports two suspected Marburg virus cases

 Marburg virus, a highly contagious illness from the same family as the virus that causes Ebola, has been linked to two suspected cases in Ghana.

It was implemented after initial tests revealed the virus in the nation's two patients, both of whom have now passed away.

According to Dr. Francis Kasolohe, a representative of the World Health Organization in Ghana, the samples have been forwarded to the Institut Pasteur in Senegal for additional testing.

"The two deceased, unrelated individuals from the southern Ashanti region displayed symptoms like diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. A district hospital in the Ashanti region has received them "said he.

These would be the first cases reported in the nation and the second in West Africa if verified. Guinea confirmed one case last year.

The WHO has deployed a team of experts to the area to support Ghanaian health workers and prepare for a possible outbreak.

Marburg is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads between humans through bodily fluids.

No vaccine or treatments exist and those diagnosed with Marburg are usually advised to drink plenty of water as doctors treat a patient’s specific symptoms.

Previous outbreaks and sporadic cases of Marburg in Africa have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.