In July 2022, Ghana’s health authorities announced something the country had never faced before: confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease. The illness, related to Ebola, causes severe fever and bleeding and can be fatal. The first patients had been treated in the Ashanti Region before tests confirmed the virus. Health workers moved quickly to trace contacts, isolate suspected cases and inform the public. Within months, the outbreak was declared over. The episode tested Ghana’s public health systems and drew on lessons learned from COVID-19.
Marburg and the first cases
Marburg virus disease is a severe illness caused by a virus from the same family as Ebola. It is spread through contact with bodily fluids of infected people and is linked to fruit bats. Two patients in the Ashanti Region who fell ill and died tested positive for Marburg. Samples were confirmed by laboratories, including the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
The Ghana Health Service announced the cases and worked with the World Health Organization to respond. Health workers identified and monitored people who had been in contact with the patients. Contacts were followed for the incubation period.
More cases, advice and the end
A small number of additional cases were confirmed among contacts. Authorities advised people to avoid caves where bats live, to avoid eating bush meat that might be infected and to seek care for symptoms. Health workers used protective equipment and followed infection control procedures to prevent spread in hospitals. After no new cases were recorded for the required period, the outbreak was declared over later in 2022.
Ghana’s experience with COVID-19 testing, tracing and communication helped the response. Marburg outbreaks have occurred in other African countries, including Guinea, Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania.
Laboratories, preparedness and symptoms
The quick confirmation showed the value of strong laboratories such as Noguchi. Health experts called for continued investment in surveillance to catch future outbreaks early. Marburg begins with high fever, severe headache and muscle pain, followed in some cases by vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding. Early care improves the chances of survival. Most Ghanaians had never heard of Marburg before July 2022. By the end of the year, the virus had come and gone with only a small number of cases.
