Situation Report: Marburg Virus Outbreaks End; Risk of New Mpox Cases

Marburg Virus Outbreaks End in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania

On June 8, 2023, the World Health Organization declared the end of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Equatorial Guinea. The announcement was made after two incubation periods passed with no new cases since the last patient was discharged from treatment. This was the first outbreak of MVD in Equatorial Guinea. The outbreak concluded with 17 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 12 reported deaths. In addition, 23 probable cases were reported, all of whom died. Four patients recovered and have been enrolled in a survivors program to receive psychosocial and other post-recovery support.

Similarly, on June 2, 2023, the Ministry of Health of the United Republic of Tanzania declared the end of its first documented outbreak of MVD. A total of nine cases, of which eight were laboratory-confirmed and one was probable, were reported. A total of six deaths were reported during the outbreak.

Risk of New Mpox Cases in the U.S.

On May 15, 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared a health alert on the potential risk for new cases of mpox (CDC, https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00490.asp, Accessed 6/9/2023) to emerge this summer as people gather for festivals and other events.

Health care providers should conduct a thorough patient history to assess possible mpox exposures or epidemiological risk factors. Consider mpox when determining the cause of a diffuse or localized rash, including in patients who were previously infected with mpox or vaccinated against mpox.

Resources for Health Care Personnel

Online Course

EMS Biosafety Transport for Operators

Health care personnel at risk of exposure to serious infectious diseases like Mpox, Ebola Virus Disease, Smallpox, SARS, MERS, and novel influenza can take this course to learn about the clinical course of these diseases, the availability of medical countermeasures, and appropriate infection control measures to safely manage and transport patients.

Checklist

Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) Checklist for Frontline Health Care Facilities

A checklist to guide facilities through a review of their immediate care capabilities and links to resources that will help improve or fill gaps in preparedness for patients suspected or confirmed to be infected with a VHF.

Podcast

Pop Culture Broadcasts Fear and Stigma of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

On the Transmission Interrupted podcast, hosts Lauren Sauer and Rachel Lookadoo interviewed Dr. William Fischer about the portrayal of Ebola Virus Disease in the 2018 “Jack Ryan” TV series and Richard Preston’s 1994 novel, “The Hot Zone: A Terrifying True Story.”