Nigeria on high alert over Marburg virus

Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, has not yet recorded any cases of the virus, but the agency described the risk of importation as "moderate" overall.

Nigeria on high alert over Marburg virus

Following Ghana's confirmation of two cases of the deadly Marburg virus, a highly contagious illness that belongs to the same virus family as the virus that causes Ebola, Nigeria's Center for Disease Control has declared a state of high alert.

Nigeria has the tools, according to a statement from the NCDC, for "rapid identification and handling in the event of a single imported case."

It said that surveillance had been increased and that Nigerian medical personnel had been put on standby.

Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, has not yet recorded any cases of the virus, but the agency described the risk of importation as "moderate" overall.

This week, Ghana verified the instances of the deadly illness. Both patients died and dozens of their contacts have been quarantined, but some have already been discharged, according to Ghanaian health authorities.