After two incubation periods (42 days) elapsed without any new Marburg virus cases emerging in Gueckedou (N'Zerekore region), the outbreak, the first for Guinea, was declared over last week. The primary case was the only one identified despite monitoring of more than 150 high-risk contacts. The southern region of N'Zerekore was also the site of outbreaks of Ebola virus this year and in 2014-16. Read more
Advice for travellers
Marburg virus disease is a rare but severe viral haemorrhagic fever, related to the Ebola virus, and there is no treatment. Found in the African fruit bat, Marburg typically appears in sporadic outbreaks and laboratory-confirmed cases have occurred in Uganda, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Angola, and South Africa. Preventive measures are not well defined, as study in how it is spread continues, but travellers should avoid contact with fruit bats and sick primates in central Africa. Read more
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.